The Highvelder, this morning, 8 January reported on Mr Manqoba Mahlangu, who lost everything in a house fire the day after Christmas.

Sadly a few hours after the article was published, he died in the Ermelo Provincial Hospital.

A distraught Mr Johan de Klerk, who adopted Mr Mahlangu, informed the Highvelder of his death earlier today.

“I was busy getting him some food to take over to the hospital when we received the news of his passing,” he said.

Mr Mahlangu spent Christmas with his family at his sister’s house.

After their family gathering, Mr Mahlangu and his girlfriend returned to his place of residence at Ext 4, Esinqawunqawini.

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They turned in for the night and at about 3am on 26 December, woke to his three-bedroom-shack engulfed in flames, and sustained serious third degree burn wounds.

Mr Mahlangu spoke to the Highvelder  from his hospital bed yesterday, 7 January, where he was slowly recovering.

“I lost everything.

“My only possessions are the pair of pants and shirt I had on when I arrived at the hospital.”

He was however, thankful that his two children, a 10-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, were staying with his mother and sister when the incident occurred.

“They phoned me and told me that they were sad about me being hurt and told me to get better soon.”

The Highvelder wishes to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to his friends and family in this time.