Fire guts family home

A FIRE which gutted a house in Roland Chapman Drive on Monday, 21 July, has left a family of 10 with nothing.

The entire house was engulfed in flames and the roof collapsed. The Ngcobo family, who live in the three bedroomed house were not home when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported. The family are now forced to share the outside building with two other relatives, while plans to fix the damaged house are under way.

Ntobe Ngcobo, who spoke on behalf of the family, said: “We have nothing. Everything we had was lost in the fire.”
Many personal belongings including identity documents and school uniforms were lost in the fire.

Montclair CPF, Park Patrol and community members have assisted the family with clothes and cash donations, which have helped ensure the four school-going children did not miss out on school. Even though assistance from the community has been forthcoming, the family has a long way to go before they can restore their lives back to normal.
The house needs a new roof, the walls need to be plastered and a fresh coat of paint is needed both inside and outside.

Essential appliances such as a stove and fridge are also needed as well as beds and bedding.

The family of five children and five women moved onto the property four years ago.

“We thank everyone in the community who has helped us, and we appreciate it. However, we still need assistance with clothing, especially women’s size 38 and 42. We welcome food items as well as any other donations,” said Ntobe.

If you would like to speak to the family, call Ntobe on 061-283-2017 or 073-144-1700.