Witpoortjie family loses almost everything in devastating house fire
Appeals for community members to assist in helping family get back on their feet
Fire may melt memories and turn livelihoods to ash, but community spirit is made of a material stronger than anything physical.
The Moses family were enjoying the Saturday afternoon company of family when they received news dreaded by any homeowner. Mondi Moses and his wife Khanyisile received a call from neighbours saying they had noticed smoke coming from their Gerrit Maritz Street home. Within minutes of the call, those bordering the property had mobilised to begin firefighting efforts while the Moses’ rushed home.
Read initial article here: No injuries reported in Saturday evening Witpoortjie house fire
While waiting for the professionals, the impromptu community firefighters attempted to use every resource on hand, trying with garden hoses to douse the increasingly raging flames. Sadly, their efforts were in vain as their rudimentary tools were no match for the fire, which engulfed the family of five’s home. All that could be done was to salvage some of the items in the house before the fire made it inaccessible.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (CoJEMS) arrived at roughly 18:10 and the two CoJEMS engines dispatched took roughly an hour to extinguish the blaze. Arriving back in Gerrit Maritz Street while firefighting efforts were underway, Mondi and the family escaped any harm yet have little clue as to how this happened. CoJEMS spokesperson, Nana Radebe, concurred, stating, “The cause of fire could not be determined”.
Even before the fire had even been extinguished, efforts to ensure that the family were accommodated were in place and WhatsApp groups in the area were buzzing with appeals to help Mondi, his wife and three kids. “Thank you to the community of Witpoortjie. We have nothing but words of appreciation for these good people as this community is vigilant and shows lots of spirit. To all our neighbours, they really made a difference.”
Having lost almost everything dear to them, save for a few items that were in a store room at the back of the property, the family is in dire need of essentials. “The kids have lost all their school stuff and all our clothes are gone. I can’t even see my couch in the spot it used to sit,” lamented Mondi, bewildered by his unrecognisable home ravaged by fire.
So far, donations of mattresses, school stationery and clothes have been sent in but it will be some time before the family is anywhere near recovered. Any donations of toiletries, non-perishable foods, long-life milk and age-specific clothing for a boy aged ten, a girl of five and a four-year-old boy can be directed to Mondi on 076 803 9496.
Tragedy is as harsh as it is unexpected, and through kind actions the blow can softened.
