UPDATE – Eastleigh family pays tribute to Lizzy

• Ms Matlaila died following an explosion in her room in Eastleigh Ridge on March 11.

• She was a Tembisa resident.

Although Ms Lizzy Matlaila has been laid to rest, the void she left will be never be filled.

Ms Matlaila died following an explosion in her room in Eastleigh Ridge on March 11.

She worked as a domestic worker.

Her employer, Mrs Mickey Peterson, said her family will always miss Ms Matlaila.

“She had been with us for 29 years. She was practically a member of our family. It’s hard for us to process what happened and how suddenly she left us, but in time, we will be okay,” said Mrs Peterson.

Ms Matlaila was buried in her home village in Limpopo.

She was a Tembisa resident.

Her bubbly, happy personality and her singing are just some of the things Mrs Peterson and her family will miss about Ms Matlaila.

“I am grateful for the support and help she gave me over the last 29 years, running my home to perfection and caring for my children, dogs and garden. She was my right arm. Lizzy was always loyal and one of the most honest people you could wish to have in your home. I miss her so much,” said Mrs Peterson.

She said Ms Matlaila was a loyal Zion Christian Church (ZCC) member and always attended services.

According to the emergency services’ report, a stove that had been left burning set fire to the curtains.

The gas bottle, which was in the room, exploded, reducing the room to cinders.

Ms Sheryl Damerall, chairperson for the Eastleigh Ridge Residents Association, thanked stakeholders in the community for the support given to the family.

“Everyone was phenomenal. The fire department was amazing, as were the Mamba guards who responded. We are all just so grateful for their help. The family, however, still needs to wrap their heads around this, but we have hope that they will be okay in time,” said Ms Damerall.

Mrs Peterson said her son had been attending counselling sessions following the incident.

“He goes to the church that he attends for counselling. He has a fear of fires now. I can only hope that one day he will get better,” said Mrs Peterson.