Father of four dies in Marister house fire

Crystal Park SAPS have opened an inquest docket following the death of a 45-year-old man in a house fire at a plot in Marister during the early hours of June 17.

According to Crystal Park police spokesperson Sergeant Lerato Mopeli, a 42-year-old woman reported that while she and her family were asleep, she was awoken by one of her children screaming. She discovered that the wendy house they live in was engulfed in flames.

“She and the children managed to escape through a window. She called out for her husband, but he did not respond. Firefighters arrived at the scene around 07:00 and discovered the man’s body, burnt beyond recognition,” said Mopeli.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing.

The deceased has been identified as Joseph Nathowa, who lived at the property with his wife and four children.

His wife, Mary Joseph, originally from Malawi, said the family is devastated.

“I am heartbroken and don’t understand how it all happened. I believe only God knows,” she said.

Joseph had been living at the Marister plot since 2011.

The family is now awaiting DNA results to confirm the identity of the body and is appealing for financial assistance to return his remains to Malawi for burial.

Anyone able to assist the family can contact Thabang on 083 397 9141 or Balebetse on 067 859 4033.

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