Tshiozwi family left homeless after fire guts house
Owner Takalani Ratshilavhi said they are thankful that nobody was injured in the incident.
LIMPOPO – The Ratshilavhi family’s nine bedroom home and all its contents burned down in Tshiozwi last Monday at around 14:00.
According to eyewitnesses, no one was in the house when the fire was first spotted.
Although neighbours tried to save what they could, this proved too dangerous.
The owner of the house, Takalani Ratshilavhi said he could not believe his eyes when he saw his house ablaze.
“I felt like I was dreaming as I could only watch helplessly.”
He has asked for assistance from the community just to have a roof over his head.
“This is the type of disaster we only see on television, and here it happened to our family. Luckily no one was injured in the fire, and we have only God to thank for protecting us,” he said.
Ratshilavhi confirmed that the incident happened around 14:00.
“I received a call from my neighbours saying that the house had caught fire. I rushed home, by which time the neighbours had already called the fire brigade. They responded quickly, but the fire had unfortunately already caused severe damage.”
Everything inside burned to ashes, Ratshilavhi said, estimating the damage at more than R1 million.
“I’m happy to be alive, although I’m highly disturbed by the incident.”
Ward councillor Cedrick Malange said the municipality, through their disaster management unit, is going to assist the family. “Our disaster team has already assessed the damage and I have requested community members to donate useful items and food.”
Makhado SAPS spokesperson Serg Tshifhiwa Radzilani confirmed the incident and said the police are investigating the cause of the fire.
