Secunda disabled man rescued from burning house
Family needs community's help.
SECUNDA – Mr Thomas Mabetlela (27) was admitted to the ICU of the Mediclinic Highveld on Tuesday, 3 March for smoke inhalation after a fire had broken out at his home in Candlewood Street.
He is mentally and physically disabled and could not escape when a burning candle fell onto computer cables and sparked the fire that destroyed a big part of the house.
His mother, Ms Rachael Mabetlela, and his siblings left the house early for work and school and he and his caretaker were at home.
The candle was a necessity since the electricity was cut in October because the municibal bill was in arrears.
Their neighbours were at home when a little girl outside alerted them to the fact that the house was on fire.
Ms Jaun-Marie Steynberg, one of the neighbours, immediately contacted the police and firefighters and Ms Mabetlela arrived shortly after them.
Mr Mabetlela’s caretaker was outside the house at the time and broke a window at the back of the house through which she climbed to look for him.
She found him in one of the bedrooms and firefighters helped her to rescue him.
The family is now staying with friends while the police are investigating.
Ms Alisha de Lange from Solidarity Helping Hands Charity visited the family on 5 March to find out what they need.
Some of the biggest concerns at this moment are to find a place where Mr Mabetlela could be cared for and money for food.
Ms Mabetlela recently registered to open her own business, but now all is lost.
Her documents and computer were destroyed in the fire.
“I just want my family to be safe,” said Ms Mabetlela.
She does not have the money to replace that which was destroyed or to buy food.
- If you would like to help, please contact Ms Steenberg at 082 303 2046.
