Family loses everything in fire
Help came too late, however, as the fire had quickly swept through the home by the time firefighters arrived.
A family of three escaped their burning home in Brakpan on Monday afternoon.
The Mohammed family of three watched in horror as their Muir Avenue house burned to ashes.
The fire engulfed all of their belongings and a lifetime of memories.
Jameel Mohammed, the owner of the house, repairs cars on the property. This is the family’s only source of income.
At the time of the fire, which started at about 1.30pm, several vehicles belonging to his customers were parked on the premises.
The cars did not escape the flames and were severely damaged in the blaze.
Jameel was in disbelief when he saw the damage to the vehicles.
READ: WATCH: Fire guts row of Kitzinger Avenue shops
“I just heard a scream, and when I ran outside I saw the entire house was covered in flames,” said Marlise Pieterse, a neighbour.
The Brakpan Fire Station is located near the house and Pieterse ran to the station for assistance.
Firefighters responded and immediately got to work, dousing the blaze.
Help came too late, however, as the fire had quickly swept through the home by the time firefighters arrived.
The family has lost everything and spent Monday evening, which saw night-time temperatures plummet, sleeping in a car.
Neighbours have rallied around the family and items including blankets, food and other goods have been donated to them.
The family is still in need of assistance and an appeal has been made for the community to help.
For donations, contact Marlise Pieterse on 072 941 5797 or Christo Pieterse on 082 427 8335.
Items can also be dropped off at 39 Muir Avenue.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za
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