Similarly, the Potchefstroom communities stood up and supported the relatives in burying a father and his two sons who burnt to death in a shack fire in Sarafina, Ext. 3.

According to Kenalemang Ntitane (a relative), the whole of Potchefstroom reached out to the family after reading the sad story in last Thursday’s Herald.

She says Dorotian Funeral Services, Lizwe Lonke, Spar Baillie Park, various businesses, different churches and the broader community contacted her and said they wanted to contribute. She says they donated money and groceries towards the funeral that was held in Sarafina Hall last Saturday.

‘We are thankful to everyone who supported us in our loss. We would like to encourage you not to stop with us but continue to help everyone in need,’ she said.

The sad story also touched the sporting fraternity. The biggest and most popular soccer teams in the country that are known for their fierce rivalry on the soccer field – Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns also contributed groceries for the funeral after the Ikageng SAPS spokesperson, Const. Kelebogile Trom, roped in the Ikageng supporters’ branches of these teams to donate to the family.

Trom says the businesses that she persuaded to contribute and those that contacted her include Nko’s Chesa Nyama, Refiloe Pub, the Mfisi family, Katlego More, On Point Solutions Family and Helping Orphanage Kids. Community members in and around Potchefstroom also gave generously, although many of them wanted to remain anonymous.

The ever-hardworking police official, Trom, says going around the whole Ikageng to ask for donations was exhausting but worth every moment because the relatives of the deceased needed her more.

‘I will always walk the extra mile for the community. I want to thank the caring community members who contacted me. May God bless them,’ she said.