Moses helps “neigbours” from burning building
Everybody came together to put out a fire that could have turned out disastrous if it had spread to surrounding businesses.
BETHAL – Fast response and quick thinking from the fire department, Bethal CPF, farmers, businesses and the community is what it took to save lives and put out a fire that erupted at the Selbourne Hotel in Chris Hani Street on Monday, 15 June.
Everyone came together to put out a fire that could have turned out disastrous if it had spread to surrounding businesses. Those who were not extinguishing the fire, went to the rescue of people trapped and who were calling for help.
One of the many people who have been hailed as a “hero” is security guard, Mr Moses Kalenda of the Local Choice Pharmacy Cosmos. He and his colleagues heard the cries of women, men and children coming from the burning building which is situated right next door to each other.
It is believed that the fire ignited in a room of the building and quickly spread to the rest of the building. The exact cause is yet unknown.
Mr Kalenda helped to rescue three children, two women and a man who were trapped. Windows had to be broken in order for them to escape the room and building that was on fire.
“I did the best I could, I could not leave them. They are our neighbours.
“I got a ladder from our stock room and managed to get to the other side of our building to go help my neighbours who were stuck in a room.
“I have had training and have been taught to keep calm in any situation,” said Mr Kalenda.
Mr Jaap Pretorius, CPF chairman, was also on the scene and hailed the fire department and everyone else who helped and assisted in extinguishing the fire. He also praised the fire brigade, although they were badmouthed, for their quick response and dedication.
Watch a video of the fire [here]
