RESIDENTS of 3 Delmas, unit 71 Jasgrey Court in South Hill, were left with nothing as their belongings were destroyed in the fire on Wednesday, September 6.
The Croucamp family lost everything, and other two families were affected when the fire spread to their flats.
According to residents, the fire was caused by a faulty wiring connection in the flats. The fire started at about 7pm as they prepared supper.
Hendrina Croukamp, told COURIER that the fire started at her flat. She was shocked when she saw black smoke surfacing from her plugs. She said she rushed for help when the smoke got thicker, and then the flames erupted into a blazing fire. Residents tried to defuse the fire by pouring water over it, but it was not enough as the fire quickly spread to the other two flats.
“I have lost everything that I have worked for. My life is stuck now. I have to try to see what I will do from here on. All my documents have been destroyed. This is really painful,” Hendrina said.
An eyewitness, Kyle, said when residents saw the fire they rushed to offer assistance. Kyle said the fire brigade arrived much later.
When ward councillor Faeeza Chame of ward 57 was contacted by COURIER, she said she was not in Johannesburg but attending a workshop with other councillors. However, she said she was aware of what took place at Jasgrey. She offered assistance by sending her subordinates to help the affected residents to relocate to the Recreation Centre in South Hills.
Jasgrey residents are appealing to members of the public for a donation of blankets, food and clothes. People can drop off donations at their donation at the South Hills Recreation Centre.
When the Turffontein fire station was approached for comment, and answer to a claim by the residents that the fire brigade’s response was delayed, COURIER was told the station manager is not available for comment. The COURIER will keep our readers updated.
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