Pensioner loses all in fire
"Had it not been for our neighbours and boys in the street the house would’ve caught fire too".
A pensioner lost all his belongings when a fire ravaged through the caravan he lived in.
Tobie Retief (68) lives in a caravan in the yard of relatives in Mahala Park.
Elize Pienaar, who lives in the house said at about 7am on Monday she heard a loud bang.
“When I looked through the window, I saw a fire, it was quite strong,” Pienaar said.
It took neighbours about an hour to extinguish the fire.
“Had it not been for our neighbours and boys in the street the house would’ve caught fire too,” Pienaar said.
She said they extinguished the fire with four hosepipes and appreciates the assistance from all who helped.
Retief is left with the clothing on his back he had on that morning.
They speculate that the cause of the fire was a kettle.
“The kettle might not have had enough water while it was boiling and could’ve started a spark,” said Pienaar.
She said Retief fixes cars and has some explosive material in the caravan which could’ve made the situation worse.
While he received donations of blankets already, Retief is in need of a lot more.
The family is appealing for help from the community and can contact them on 071 467 0858.
