IMPOPO – Stephan Tharandt the owner of the house told Bosveld: “After several years we have just finished with the last building work on the house and within 25 minutes it all went up in flames. My wife Petra and I are pensioners and unfortunately the house was not insured.” Stephan further said: “We had thatched roofs and so the fire spread within a few minutes.”
Steven Vermaak, Chairman of the Fire Protection Association (FPA) said: “We had three fires in the Sterkrivier area on the same day. A fire started at a yard about 250 m from the Tharandt’s house after the branches between the power lines caused a short circuit. Due to the strong winds the fire spread to the Tharandt’s house and landed on their thatch roof, setting all three their properties alight.”
Stephan said the community especially the residents from Sterkrivier has been great supporters and that he and his wife truly appreciates everyone’s help. The Gr 6 learners of the CVO-skool Potgietersrus decided to also help lighten the family’s need and so they collected funds, clothes, blankets and household goods and recently handed it over to Petra.
If anyone would like to extend a helping hand contact Elize Roux, the family’s neighbour in Sterkrivier, at 082 944 8131.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
