Father and two daughters perish in eMbalenhle shack fire

eMBALENHLE – Mr Mandla Mbatha (59) and his children Nolwandle (10) and Nhlanhla (11) died when their shack caught fire in the Gate 5 section of eMbalenhle on Saturday, 13 July.

Ms Nomsa Mbatha cried out hopelessly and helplessly as she watched the flames going up, consuming her husband and their two daughters.

She screamed for help, however it was difficult for the neighbours to come in as the gates were locked.

The trapped girls and their father screamed for help, but the flames were too big and no one could rescue them.

When the neighbours eventually managed to enter the yard, it was already too late. The girls were silent and the neighbours could not determine in which room the girls were.

According to family members, Ms Mbatha and her disabled husband were asleep when she inhaled smoke. When she opened her eyes, she saw flames all around.

Ms Mbatha jumped out of the bed and tried to drag her husband out, but she was not strong enough.

She ran to call her oldest daughter, Nikiwe, who slept in the outside room.

By the time they reached the house, the flames had gained momentum and they could not get into the house.

Ms Mbatha, Nikiwe and a baby of 17 months survived the tragedy.

Ms Nikiwe Mbatha was deeply hurt and could not speak to the media.

“I do not have the strength to speak, this is traumatic and painful,” she said .

Ms Linah Selepe, a neighbour and spokesperson for the family, said the survivors are extremely traumatised.

According to Ms Selepe, it was about 11pm when she heard Ms Mbatha’s screams.

“The house was engulfed in huge flames.

“Nomsa was outside with her daughter and grandchild, trying to extinguish the fire.

“They told us that Mandla and the two girls were trapped inside, but there was nothing we could do. The flames were too big.

“Mandla and his daughters died a painful death,” explained Ms Selepe.

“I cannot imagine the pain Nomsa is going through. She is not coping at all.”

The police is not yet sure what caused the fire .

However, the neighbours alleged that the electricity was out and that an electricity meter box exploded when the power came back on.

The family is currently without a proper house.

Good Samaritans have already begun helping the family to rebuild their house.

They have called on business people and residents for help, because the fire destroyed everything.

Ms Anittah Mkhwebane, PR Councillor of the DA, who have been helping the family along side with Mr Mandla Thabethe, Ward Councillor of the ANC, said the situation is dire and the support of the community is much needed.

“We ask residents to donate items such as furniture, clothes, food and other household items.

“We are grateful to everyone who has already helped out.”

Ms Thandi Ngxonono, executive mayor, visited the family to convey her condolence and donated money to the family.