The cold winter is causing more tragedy. A 60-year-old man died when his humble home at Stratford Farm was gutted in a fire on Sunday evening.
His body was burnt beyond recognition, but relatives identified him as Solomon Hadebe.

His sister, Samkelisile Sibiya, said her brother had recently been discharged from hospital and fell asleep, leaving a mbawule (brazier) burning for warmth. It is believed a spark may have set the house alight, and Mr Hadebe was unable to escape the flames.
No one in the family is working and the family has asked that the municipality assist them with a pauper’s burial.

Ward Councillor Lungile Mbhele and Endumeni Disaster Manager Bonginkosi Zulu visited the scene on Monday to assist. Officials from the South African Social Security Agency and Reverend Mtshali assisted with food vouchers for the family.

In another incident in Glencoe, a disabled man, Mge Khulu, had a narrow escape when his shack was engulfed in a fire in Sithembile on Friday. According to family members the fire was caused by a falling candle.
Endumeni Disaster Manager Bonginkosi Zulu was accompanied by Ward Councillor Lungile Mbhele to donate blankets to the Mr Khulu, who lost all his possessions in the fire.