Family in need of donations after Primrose flat engulfed in flames

A fire has left the Ngwenya family from Artrene Court in Primrose distraught and displaced.

The fire spread rapidly in the family’s bachelor flat on November 5.

Pakamisa Ngwenya, the father of the family, said the flat accommodated three people, Pakamisa, his wife, Jacqueline, and their five-year-old grandchild. Jacqueline was still crying and too emotional to talk when the GCN was on the scene.

Their daughter, Zinhle Ngwenya, said her mom was shattered.

“She lost a lot that she valued in the flat. Her Tupperware, cellphone, branded blankets and many other belongings were burnt.

“My mom sells Tupperware and some people paid her the previous day. Now, her money got burnt in the fire. The money included school fees for their grandson,” said Zinhle.

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The Ngwenya family’s five-year-old grandson was in the flat, watching cartoons when the fire started.

Zinhle said he ran out to call for help.

“I stay a few streets away from my parents and I could see the fire from where I was. It was bad,” said Zinhle.

The blaze engulfed the Ngwenya’s bachelor flat at about 6.30am.

Zinhle added when firefighters arrived at about 7am, they struggled to put out the fire at first.

“The firefighters left at around 8am,” said Zinhle.

Pakamisa added his wife had gone out to fetch water from a tap behind the flat.

“I was also not home. When I arrived I could not get into the flat as the fire had spread rapidly,” said the father.

Zinhle said their grandson was left traumatised.

“He was crying but he is better now. The fire affected our family badly. We cook with a gas stove and luckily the gas was finished the previous day. It could have been worse,” said Zinhle.

Other units in the building were not damaged by the fire.

Neighbours helped the Ngwenya family salvage the remains from the fire.

Zinhle said the family will move in with her temporarily. No injuries were reported.

“We will appreciate any help we can get. We need food, clothes, pots, blankets, plates and a stove,” said the daughter.

The family is in need of clothing for the boy, clothing for a woman (large top and 36 to 38 dress size) and man’s clothing (size 36). They also need shoes for a boy (children’s size eight), woman’s shoes (size eight) and man’s shoes (size 10).

Those who can support the family may contact Zinhle on 062 716 6139.

Contact the newsroom by emailing:

Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,  or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.