Mokopane family’s home destroyed overnight
A family lost their home to fire, but not their hope. Firefighters sprang into action and the family is safe, but needs support.
MOKOPANE – DR Leona Mageza and her husband, Dr Basil Khosa, watched in horror as their home burned to ashes within minutes this weekend.
Leona recalls that at around 04:45 on Sunday morning, the family was awakened by a loud banging noise. “We immediately investigated and saw that the ceiling in the living room was on fire. Our first reaction was to get our little girl and her friend, who had slept over, to safety. Fortunately, no one was injured.”
Mark Wreyford of the Mogalakwena Fire Association confirmed that he received the emergency call just after 05:00. “Shortly after I arrived on the scene, the fire brigade also arrived, and together we tried to put out the fire,” he said.
“An investigation will confirm the cause of the fire,” Wreyford added.
Elita Wiid of the Freedom Front Plus took refreshments to the firefighters at 08:00 and said the family had lost everything. She immediately began calling for donations of clothes and food.
“The family’s immediate needs are blankets, clothes and food. A friend is currently accommodating them until the investigation is completed, after which they can decide on the way forward,” Wiid said.
The family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community for the outpouring of support since the incident. “We cannot thank the community enough for all the donations and kindness,” they said.
