Fire destroys senior resident’s home
The Pine Ridge Neighbourhood Watch urges residents to help an elderly resident after he lost all his belongings after his home burned down, recently.
AN elderly man in Pinetown lost all of his possessions when his home burned down on Tuesday 12 August, at approximately 5.30pm.
According to the distraught resident the incident occurred after he arrived home on the Tuesday evening. He said as he entered his property he noticed a young man, wearing a rucksack, standing in his property. When the intruder spotted the home owner he ran towards the house.
The elderly man reportedly ran after the intruder and when he approached his home he noticed smoke billowing from his living room.
“When the resident finally reached his front door he saw the fire burning in the middle of his living room floor. Within minutes the house went up in flames,” said Sharon Jenkins, of the Pine Ridge Neighbourhood Watch (PRNHW).
A neighbour reportedly contacted the PRNHW , who in turn contacted the necessary authorities. According to Jenkins the firefighters attempted to douse the fire, but was unsuccessful.
“He has lost everything. The man attempted to save some of his valuables, but it was in vain. Afterwards the flames were finally extinguished he just walked through his house shaking his head in disbelief,” she said.
The PRNHW is appealing to residents to donate any clothes, food, pet food or household items to help the elderly man.
“He slept in his car the first night as he did not want to leave his pets behind. He is now staying with a friend,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins also said that this has been the second house that has burned down in the Pine Ridge area since July.
Lt Bongumusa Manqele, the Pinetown SAPS communications officer, confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property has been opened at the station.
“No arrests have been made at this stage, as the police are still investigating,” he said.
Contact 078 792 3045.
