Residents in Mamelodi are concerned the burnt remains of a local family home could become a hide-out for criminals and even a “crime den for unwanted elements”.
According to Kate Kekana, spokesperson for Thandanani East Home, the remains of the house which was destroyed by a fire three years ago have been vandalised and the window frames and doors removed.
The organisation is trying to help the Mabunda family rebuild their Buffer Zone home following the fire which claimed the life of one of their sons.
She said the family was desperately seeking to rebuild the house, which allegedly was set alight three years ago.
“The family desperately needed help before the house could turn into a hideout for criminals or a crime den for unwanted elements,” Kekana said.
Despite the house being almost completely destroyed, Isaac Mabunda (33) has been living in what remains of the structure with an open roof.
He is exposed to severe weather, particularly during the winter and the rainy season, with no safe place to go.
Unemployed Mabunda said his family home was torched three years ago and his family doesn’t have the means to rebuild it.
“We lost everything we owned [in the fire], including furniture and clothes,” he said.
Kekana added that Mabunda has made means of fixing a roof in one of the bedrooms where he sleeps on the floor, but it’s not safe for him because the roof once fell in on top of him while he was sleeping.
The fire caused extensive damage, destroying all the furniture, doors, roofing, windows, flooring and electrical wiring.
Mabunda urgently needs help to secure new housing and replace his lost belongings.
During the assessment with social workers from the Thandanani Drop Inn centre, he shared that he previously sought assistance from the local councillor and his community, but his efforts have been in vain.
Kekana added that while the community and Thandanani Drop Inn Centre are currently providing nutritional support, more substantial aid was urgently needed to help Mabunda rebuild his life.
For more information contact the Thandanani Drop Inn centre at 079 591 2930.
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