Mysterious fire ravages home

Sometimes the cause of a fire is obvious: arson, bad wiring, a careless cigarette, a kid playing with matches.

The Ndaba family in Lindelane, Sibongile had a unique and scary experience when three rooms in their house were burnt by a mysterious fire last Sunday night at about 9pm. The family suspects witchcraft activities.

According to the father of the house, Siphiwe Ndaba, the fierce fire started in the sitting room. “When we were trying to stop the fire, another fire started in another room. Some of us went to stop that blaze. I was also told that there were huge flames in my main bedroom.

“We called the fire department who were at my home within 30 minutes,” said Mr Ndaba, who was in state of shock and could not believe what had happened.

Mr Ndaba said the firemen from Rural Metro had a ‘big fight on their hands’ because when they stopped the blaze in one room ,it started in another.

Mr Ndaba said it took almost two hours to extinguish the fire. “I suspect witchcraft  practised by someone using powerful muti. My family is afraid to sleep in the house – now I must go look for nyangas or prophets who will assist me,” Ndaba added.

He lost everything in the house, including clothing and food. No one in the family is employed – they only survive by repairing cars and  receiving government grants. He lives with five children and three adults. Endumeni Disaster Manager Bonginkosi Zulu comforted the family by donating 12 blankets from the Umzinyathi District Municipality.