Tragedy befell the Mbekwa family on the afternoon of June 10 in Protea Glen when they lost all their possessions in a fire that destroyed their home.
The fire allegedly started on Sunday afternoon at around 2pm while the family was watching television in the sitting room. “I was with my sister watching tv and then we noticed the smoke coming from my mother’s room,” said Vuyokazi Mbekwa, a member of the Mbekwa family.
According to Mbekwa, the cause of the fire is unknown. “We don’t know what caused the fire because we didn’t leave anything on in my mother’s room, the fire came out of nowhere. We don’t want to lie, we are also shocked by what happened,” she said.
The family called for help and attempted to stop the fire but only managed to stop it once it got to the kitchen which is also partially burned. The family of seven is currently living in their backroom that survived the fiery flames that claimed the family home.
“We lost everything in the fire all we have are the clothes on our backs. The children also lost some of their uniform,” Mbekwa said. Lloyd Maluleka, community development worker in Ward 13, said “We need to push to assist the family as soon as possible. The whole house is damaged and it’s winter time so it’s a problem.”
The Mbekwa family further requests that the community assist them by donating clothes, blankets and anything else they possibly can. It is important that residents protect themselves from fires this winter, especially with the ever so prevalent power outages in the Protea area. Robert Mulaudzi, Emergency Management Services Spokesperson, issued the following safety tips for residents to protect themselves against fires during this winter.
Before you go to bed or out:
1. Never go to bed or out with a candle or paraffin lamp is still burning.
2. Switch off heaters and stoves at the plug before going to bed or out.
3. Always put out cigarettes carefully. Do not smoke in bed.
Vuyokazi Mbekwa can be contacted on 0731222387/ 0786579055 should any residents be willing to assist the family.
