Family loses everything in house fire

A family’s worst nightmare came true on Monday, 27 September when neighbours alerted them that their house was on fire. The fire broke out at the Kaloete family home at around 11:30.

“We were all in the house at the time of the fire. One of the children was bathing when neighbours brought it to our attention,” Ntswaki Kaloete, one of the family members said. “ We still don’t know what caused it. All we know is that it started in the garage and, before we knew it, the entire house was on fire.” The family had been living there for over 70 years and their mother had recently used all her pension funds to make improvements to the home. “Many generations have been staying here,” Mapule Kaloete, another family member explained. Soon after the fire was put out, the mother was rushed to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

“I rushed to the room to try and save my handbag that had a bit of money in it and a few important documents, like my ID,” the mom, Margret Kaloete explained.

“I still don’t know how I managed to get out. I just remember going to the outside toilet and crying uncontrollably. These are material things and we’ll be fine, eventually,” she added.

So far, the community has come together to assist the family with donations and accommodation. “The house was not insured so we have nowhere to go. Any donations will go a long way,” Mapule added. All donations can be dropped off at 186 Lekhale Street in Ikageng. The family can be contacted on 060 8838115 (Tlaleng Kalaote) or 0733727447 (Ramogolo Kalaote).