The boy believed to be 10 years old was taken to hospital by an ambulance following the fire. It is understood that he is being treated for smoke inhalation.
The Advertiser understands the boy’s two brothers managed to escape the fire on their own.
Gino Wincent, who lives next door to the family, said: “I heard someone screaming ‘fire…fire! I ran outside and there was my neighbours’ house on fire. The window of the bedroom blew out at that point.”
Before the emergency service arrived, Wincent bravely entered the bedroom that was alight and grabbed the boy to lead him to safety.
He then used a garden hose to extinguish the fire before it spread to the other rooms, saving the family’s belongings.
Boksburg SAPS and emergency services swiftly responded but upon arrival found the fire completely extinguished.
Neighbours praised Wincent for saving the boy as well as the rest of the family’s belongings.
Apart from the smoke inhalation, no other injuries were reported.
The police are investigating a case of arson.
More information to follow.
