Family loses everything after home catches fire

The Magugu family is enduring a difficult start to 2021 after their home in Somalia Park burnt down 30 minutes after they left for Zone 7 on January 3.

Nomvula Magugu and her two sons are seeking help to rebuild their home and replace some of the things they lost in the fire.

The fire burnt everything that was inside the house, including furniture, beds, clothes, shoes, IDs and birth certificates.

According to Magugu, they were at her sister’s house when she received a call from her neighbours to tell her about the fire.

“I don’t know what happened. What shocked me the most was that the fire was said to have started in the living room, but that room did not have any electrical connection. We still don’t know what initiated the fire,” she said.

“We lost everything. I feel really bad and a bit disturbed. When I saw what had happened I felt like I was going crazy. I did not understand what was going on. I am still in disbelief,” added Magugu.

The Department of Social Development assisted the family with food parcels and blankets.

The company Magugu works for also pledged an amount of R1 500 to assist the family rebuild the roof.

The family is pleading with residents to assist with donations of clothes, beds, building material, dishes, a gas stove or anything that they can offer.

Newcastle-based Makhosazana Mdaki, the older sister of Magugu, said her sister is badly affected by what happened.

“We feel bad. Had this incident occurred at night my sister and her children would have been injured or even worse. My sister is still traumatised, she needs counselling. I think this incident will affect her in the future,” explained Mdaki.

“We just thank God that no one was home and that no one was injured, but we are really hurt. We would really appreciate any contributions from residents, local businesses and anyone who is able to help,” she added.

To help the Magugu family rebuild their home, contact Nomvula on 071 415 7461 or 073 112 6051.