Devastating blaze kills one in Ndofaya
Solomon Selowa said, "We will help the family as we are also part of the community and when they told me what happened, I was deeply touched and inspired to help."
For the Molatlhegi family in Meadowlands Zone 1, November 10 is a day which will forever haunt them. A blaze engulfed their home on Saturday night, consuming all in its path and claiming the life of their disabled brother, Benjamin Molatlhegi.
According to a family representative, Mercy Molatlhegi, Benjamin was in the sitting room when the fire started and since he was unable to walk fast, he could not escape the deadly inferno.
She said, “No one is employed, we sustain ourselves with the monthly Sassa grant and rebuilding will be very costly.
- Operation Clampdown cleans up the streets of Westbury – [also read]
“When the fire became too much, neighbours, tenants and the community joined hands in trying to extinguish the fire, but for Benjamin, it was too late as he inhaled a lot of smoke and sustained burns on his lower body,” she added.
He was rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital where he was treated for burns but unfortunately, he passed away on Sunday.
Surprise Makume said, “When he asked the family what happened, they also did not have any answers about what started the fire. They only realised that the house was ablaze after seeing smoke pouring from the windows.”
Residents came out to help the family clean up after the devastating fire. The Meadowlands Community Forum (MCF) chairperson, Tshidi Madisakwana felt that they needed to assist the family to bury their brother and also called on local businesses to help the family with revamping the home.
She pleaded with the community to donate items of furniture as the family lost all their furniture in the blaze. The councillor Sphiwo Mbongo was informed about the tragedy and pledged that his office would be helping the Molathlegi family.
He said, “We are aware of what happened to the Molatlhegi family and will be also assisting the family so that they can give their brother a dignified send-off.”
- Loads of fun at the family fun day for Jabavu residents – [also read]
PI Hardware from Meadowpoint also pledged that they would provide the family with a few necessities so that they can restore the home to its former state.
Solomon Selowa said, “We will help the family as we are also part of the community and when they told me what happened, I was deeply touched and inspired to help.”
The MCF is requesting donations from the community and anyone who would like to donate anything to the family are urged to do so and they can visit the family at 1070A Bakgatla Street or they can get in contact with Surprise Makume on 063 433 0103.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
