IN the early hours of the morning on Thursday, October 2, a Mount Vernon family’s life was ravaged after a blaze tore through their family home, leaving behind nothing but ash, rubble, and heartbreak.

At approximately 12:30 the house, home to Shirley Kotze, her 15-year-old daughter, and several tenants, caught fire and was gutted within 45 minutes.

Also read: Watch: Fire destroys family home and claims beloved pets

The fire began in Kotze’s daughter’s room, who was not there at the time. Kotze’s parents live in the granny cottage a few metres away from the main house and Kotze was not in the province.

By the time the family realised what was happening, it was too late.

“The tenants living in the bachelor pad attached to the main house heard something go ‘poof’ but didn’t think anything of it. Then came a bang so they woke up to check,” recalled Kotze’s mom Marie Botha.

“My granddaughter was awake in our cottage and screamed, ‘The house is burning!’ That’s when we saw the flames. One of the tenants managed to grab a gas bottle before fleeing. Everything happened so fast,” she added.

Describing the atmosphere that morning when their lives changed forever, Botha said it was quiet and still.

“There was no wind, so the fire just went straight up. It was just flames and huge clouds of smoke. The neighbours didn’t even know that the house was on fire. Nobody came out. We didn’t know what to do. We just stood there and watched,” added Botha.

She said by the time the fire department had arrived from Jacobs, the house was burnt to the ground.

Kotze was told about the fire and started making arrangements to return home immediately. Her heart sank the next day when she saw her house had been reduced to rubble.

“We’ve lived here for eight years. Everything I have owned and accumulated in my life was in the house. I am grateful that nobody was hurt – my family, our tenants are all safe – but I have nothing to start over,” she said.

“It’s been traumatising for us all and more for everyone who experienced the entire ordeal. We are now all currently living in the cottage with my mom. My daughter is staying with family – she is not ready to come home.

“My mom had a nervous breakdown and one of our tenants had an asthma attack. My dad who has suffered three strokes is also stessed,” she said.

Two non-profit organisations in the area – Aunty Hanneli’s Helping Hands (AHHH) and The Danedefly Charity – have rallied to support the family by requesting donations from the community.

Donations of clothes and a generator have started to come in. But the road ahead is still long and uncertain.

“Every bit helps. People have been generous, and we’re so thankful,” said Kotze.

The NPOS are asking for donations of clothing, bedding, appliances, toiletries, food and groceries, and school supplies.

To assist or donate, contact Hanneli Preston (AHHH) on 074 559 9039 or Roche Bernade (The Danedefly Charity) on 074 820 9486.

A relative has also started a BackaBuddy campaign for the family.

@caxtonlocalmedia A fire that tore through a home in Mount Vernon has shattered the lives of the owners and their tenants. They are now slowly picking up the pieces, trying to rebuild. If you would like to assist or donate, contact Hanneli Preston (AHHH) on 074 559 9039 or Roche Bernade (The Danedefly Charity) on 074 820 9486. #Queensburgh #housefire #durbannews ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

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