JACKSON Street residents in West Turffontein tried in vain to douse a fire that destroyed a home providing shelter to over 30 people on June 16.
The evening fire was apparently started by one of the tenants, who, according to other tenants, has been a problem.
Michael Velemani, who lost everything he owns in the fire, said the tenant was troublesome.
“He has been nothing but trouble, and when the community cornered him about allegations of theft, he came to seek revenge and torched our home,” explained Michael.
“We had 25 adults and six children staying here and now we are homeless, everything was burnt to ashes.”
Gabriel Nkabinde, another tenant, pleaded for someone to assist them with clothes and food, especially now that winter has arrived.
“We’ve got children as young as three months old who are without shelter,” he said. “Our local councillor Rasheida Landis came here and said she will offer help.”
Landis, who is the councillor for ward 55, said she contacted Disaster Management for help.
“They said they will come back to me. I am also waiting for people to donate goods and I will take it to the house in Jackson Street as soon as I receive any,” she said.
On Wednesday evening June 17, Clr Landis provided blankets and soup for the affected families.
Warrant Officer Lorraine van Emmerik from Booysens Police said the fire was reported to the station and an inquiry has been opened.
“We are still waiting for a full report from the fire department,” she said.
