A BRAVE local man risked his life to rescue an elderly woman from the burning Delfi Greek Taverna, as a fundraising campaign has been launched to help the beloved 60-year-old family-owned restaurant rise from the ashes.

Delfi Greek Taverna, situated along Lillian Ngoyi Road and Livingstone Road, was ravaged by a fire on Thursday afternoon (September 3). It took eThekwini Fire Services approximately 20 minutes to bring under control the structural fire which already burnt through the roof.

Three fire engines, a water carrier, a foam carrier and a command vehicle had been deployed to the scene in Windermere.

“Four hose lines were deployed and four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the structure to fight the blaze at close quarters,” said the City.

The City said no people were found inside the building and that the efforts of firefighters and other emergency services resulted in no injuries being reported. Two dogs and a parrot were also rescued.

Also Read: Restaurant gutted by fire, three treated for smoke inhalation

However, according to eyewitnesses, another rescue took place before firefighters arrived. Ayakha Godlwana, who works at Palm Terrace Restaurant, risked his life to rescue an elderly woman from the burning building.

Speaking to the Berea Mail, Godlwana said it took him several attempts to enter the building because of the thick smoke.

“At that moment I had no thoughts or fear, I just knew that I had to help after being told that there was an elderly woman inside.”

Godlwana said his manager alerted him to the fire after seeing smoke coming from the building housing Delfi Greek Taverna. “I know the people there well and I was concerned,” said Godlwana.

Also Read: Arson suspect sought in Glenwood church fire

“When I arrived there was a guy with a hose trying to put the fire out and I went to help him when I was told there was a 70-year-old woman still inside. I went in but could not see properly because of the smoke and I was choking from it.

“I came back out and tried again. On the fourth or third attempt I asked them for the hose and used it to clear the way for me to be able to enter safely.”

Godlwana managed to get the elderly woman out safely. ALS Paramedics said three people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Godlwana’s bravery was widely applauded, with the Good Things Guy launching a citywide search for the man after hearing about his actions.

He was described as the man who “took off his shirt, asked for water to be poured over him and then ran into the burning building to get Maria’s sister out safely … and then he disappeared”.

“I was happy to help and glad that nobody was injured,” said a humble Godlwana, who returned to work after the rescue.

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