Amid South Africans’ jubilation over the Rugby World Cup victory, a Steiltes, Mbombela, family was struck by a devastating loss last Saturday.

All of their cherished possessions and their beloved dog, Herbie, were lost when flames engulfed the house they had been staying in for over a decade.

According to the owners Riaan and Magda Byleveldt, they did not merely lose a house, but a sanctuary in which they lived and prayed together for 10 years. Despite their loss, they are grateful they were not at home at the time, as the outcome could have been much worse.

While watching the rugby with friends just down the road, Riaan heard about the fire when his neighbour phoned at about 22:00.

“I was told that my house was on fire. I rushed over there only to find the entire house in flames. It overwhelmed me, as everything I had worked for was being destroyed,” he says.

The visibly distraught homeowner says he also lost his grandmother’s treasured Bible, one of his most important belongings, that was extremely special to him and his family.

“The Bible meant the world to me because my grandmother gave it to me, and it has been a blessing that I treasured.

“I lost my wedding album that was not archived anywhere else, pictures of my children, and furniture that was over 60 years old that my wife inherited from her grandmother,” says Riaan.

Losing Herbie, who they loved as part of the family for the past two years, shook the couple to the core.

“He was a joy, a breath of fresh air, full of love and always happy to be around us. His warm, loving personality will be missed beyond words.”

Herbie reportedly died of smoke inhalation.

Riaan described his house as a place of family gatherings, a warm home always filled with love and beautiful memories. “I lost everything in the house; I was only left with the clothes I was wearing.”

The Mbombela Fire and Rescue team worked throughout the night to extinguish the blaze after being alerted by the Byleveldts’ neighbour. Some neighbours also joined in the effort to fight the flames with their hosepipes. This prevented the couple’s two cars from catching fire.

Riaan says a Mbombela couple has been very supportive since the incident.

“We as a family have a lot of heartache to work through, but the community has been beyond supportive. They stayed with us, helping with their water to stop the fire, and even brought food and drinks for the fire brigade.

“The following day, some of our neighbours were still here making sure the fire had stopped and called to check if we were OK. We feel blessed with all the love and support we have been showered with. We now know that the people of this area do care for us because they proved it when we needed them the most,” Riaan says.

The family is staying with friends while they await the outcome of a forensic investigation on what caused the fire, and to determine the cost of the damage for insurance purposes.

The Byleveldts say it is difficult to estimate the replacement value of everything the family lost.

It is thought that the house may have been struck by lightning, as Mbombela had a severe storm that night, however, this has yet to be confirmed.

Riaan was living in the house with Magda and his two children.

The couple plans to rebuild their home.