Shack fire leaves single-parent family destitute before Christmas

According to Kelebogile Trom, the Ikageng SAPS spokesperson, Elisa Tsolo and her neighbour were sitting around the paraffin stove in the kitchen. Her two daughters, aged 14 and 18, were still awake in the bedroom and suddenly saw light coming from outside. Trom says the ex-boyfriend came into the shack carrying a burning sponge mattress. The curious girls went to see what the commotion was about and the younger one begged him to let her go outside. He agreed.

‘When the fire started spreading, the woman pleaded with the man to let them get out. He refused, saying he wanted everyone inside the shack to burn. As the fire raged, however, he agreed to let them go and he ran away, saying the police wouldn’t be able to find him because he was going back to Lesotho,’ reported Trom.

The fire brigade was alerted to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire. Trom says a case of arson has been opened.

‘Everything in the shack was destroyed and the single parent lost all they had. The damaged is estimated to be around R40 000,’ said Trom.

When the DA’s councillor for Ward 4, Johan Zerwick, heard about the incident he mobilised his fellow DA councillors, who each contributed R300. An amount of R4 000 was raised to purchase corrugated iron sheets and poles to build a new shack for the family.

In addition, Zerwick took to the Potchefstroom Facebook page to ask for donations for the family. Many Potchefstroom residents pledged to assist with furniture, clothing for the children, and other belongings.

Zerwick, who is also a pastor, has appealed to the community of J.B. Marks Municipality to assist with any appropriate donations. The community can contact him on 083 458 3837.