Amid the jubilation of South Africans over their Rugby World Cup victory, a Steiltes family was struck by a devastating loss on Saturday October 28.
All of their cherished possessions and their beloved dog, Herbie, were lost when some flames engulfed the home they had been staying in for over a decade.
According to the owners, Riaan and Magda Byleveldt, they did not merely lose a house, but a sanctuary in which they lived and prayed together for 10 years. Despite their loss, they are grateful they were not present, as the outcome could have been much worse.
While watching the rugby with friends just down the road, Riaan came to know about the fire when his neighbour phoned at about 22:00.
“I was told that my house was on fire. I rushed over there only to find the entire house in flames. It overwhelmed me, as everything I had worked for was being destroyed,” he said.
The visibly distraught homeowner said he also lost his grandmother’s treasured Bible, one of his most important belongings that was extremely special to him and his family. “The Bible meant the world to me because my grandmother gave it to me, and since it has been a blessing that I treasured.
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I lost my wedding album that was not archived anywhere else, pictures of my children, and furniture that was over 60 years old that my wife had inherited from her grandmother,” said Riaan.
Losing Herbie, whom they loved as part of the family for the past two years, shook the couple to the core. “He was a joy, a breath of fresh air, full of love and always happy to be around us. His warm, loving personality will be missed beyond words.”
Herbie reportedly died of smoke inhalation.
Riaan described his house as a place of family gatherings, a warm home always filled with love and beautiful memories. “I lost everything in the house; I was only left with the clothes I was wearing.”
The Mbombela Fire and Rescue team worked throughout the night to extinguish the blaze after a neighbour of the Byleveldts’ had alerted the department. Some neighbours also joined in the effort to fight the flames with their garden hosepipes. As a result, this prevented the couple’s two cars catching fire.
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He said the people of Mbombela have been very supportive since the incident. “We as a family have a lot of heartache to work through, but the community has been beyond supportive. They stayed with us, helping with their water to stop the fire, and even brought food and drinks for the fire brigade.
“The following day, some of our neighbours were still here making sure the fire had stopped and called to check if we were OK. We feel blessed with all the love and support we have been showered with. We now know that the people of this area do care for us, because they proved it when we needed them the most,” Riaan said.
The family is currently staying with friends while they await the outcome of a forensic investigation on what caused the fire, and to determine the cost of the damage for insurance purposes.
At the time, the Byleveldts said it was difficult to estimate the replacement value of everything the family had lost. It is thought that the house may have been struck by lightning as Mbombela had a severe storm that night, however, this has yet to be confirmed.
Riaan was living in the house with Magda and his two children. The couple plans on rebuilding their home.
