The Mathule family will never forget 23 September, the day their prized possessions went up in flames.
“We have no choice but to accept what has happened; we just have to be strong,” Paul Mathule, owner of the home, said, sitting near where the five-room shack used to be.
That Friday, Mathule was at work when he received the devastating call from his brother Matshepe Mathule that their shack had burnt down.
At approximately 08:45, directly after the load shedding, Matshepe was outside when he suddenly heard a loud burst coming from the house.
“I quickly went in and noticed a small fire behind the fridge,” he explained.
Matshepe says he filled a bucket with water to try and put out the fire but quickly realised it was getting out of control.
“The neighbours tried to assist, but there was nothing we could do; we tried until the fire department came. All we could do was watch it all burn,” he lamented.
Matshepe, was visiting his brother at the time. The family of three had been living in their home since 2008. Mathule says what he despairs most is losing his church items, his children’s clothes and his daughter’s uniform. “There’s absolutely nothing left; it’s all gone,” he said in disbelief.
Although the family is devastated by what has happened, Paul is extremely grateful that no one was home at the time. “My son usually spends most of his time at home and only wakes up late in the mornings. It’s a blessing that he was not here,” Paul said.
The family asks the community for any assistance. “Anything would truly be appreciated,” Paul said.
To support the family, contact Paul on 062 131 1900 or Debbie from the PA on 0731161821.
