Brother allegedly sets house aflame with sister inside at Tekwane
Thandeka Tibane is in need of assistance after her brother allegedly set her house on fire.
A unemployed young woman was left homeless after her house was destroyed by a fire last Wednesday night, May 3.
According to Thandeka Tibane, she had to watch her inheritance burn to the ground. She said it was past 23:00 as she was about to go to bed, when she suddenly started to smell something burning, and realised the house was on fire.
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“The fire was started by my brother, who is currently arrested after I had opened a case against him at the KaNyamazane Police Station. On the day of the incident, my brother came to me and asked for a box of matches, and I gave it to him, not knowing what he was planning to do.
“At first I thought he was cooking something. I rushed to check in the kitchen and realised there was a fire burning. I tried to run to the kitchen door, and I could see him standing outside. I asked him why he was burning the house down with me inside. He did not reply, so I rushed to our neighbours to ask for help. Unfortunately, it was too late – the house and everything were burnt to the ground,” she said.
Thandeka said she does not know what he poured out to start the huge fire. She said she is currently accommodated by her neighbours and needs assistance. “It is so difficult for me, because I am unemployed. I feel like I am a burden to this family. I depend on them in terms of everything. I lost everything. I left the house wearing a sleeping gown. I have lost all my clothes and personal documents. The house was the only thing my mother left me,” she said.
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According to her, the local councillor in her area and the City of Mbombela assisted her by giving her blankets and a stove. “I am still waiting for them to come back and for the disaster management team to visit.”
Thandeka said she is asking for assistance from the public. “If there is anyone out there who can assist me by renovating the house, and providing furniture and clothes, that will make a difference.”
A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, confirmed that a case of arson was opened on May 3. Mohlala said, “The complainant, Thandeka, alleged that she had been watching TV in her bedroom when her brother had started the fire. Bheki Tibane, was arrested and appeared in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He was remanded in custody, and appeared for a formal bail application on Tuesday.” By the time of publishing, the outcome was unknown.
Call Thandeka on 063 730 6320.
