Kelvin house fire victim still finding her feet after losing mother and home

A tragic house fire in Kelvin on April 8 changed the life of 28-year-old Thato Lekonyane forever.

In a single evening, she lost both her family home and her mother, leaving her and her son devastated and struggling to rebuild from nothing.

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The fire destroyed the 15-room house to ashes, clothing, furniture, food, important documents and nearly all of the family’s belongings.

Lekonyane said she was away from home at the time of the incident, celebrating her two-year-old son’s birthday with her partner, Austin Pearson, when they received a call from his mother informing them that the house was on fire.

“We rushed back home immediately. When we arrived, the house was still on fire,” Lekonyane said. “There were emergency services, police official, Kelvin Residents Association, and Sandton SPCA at the scene.”

She added that emergency officials were unable to get inside the yard to extinguish the fire, because the dogs were by the gate and she had to get inside, catch the dogs and give them to the SPCA.

“It took a while before they could fully extinguish the fire, but eventually they slowed it down, and they went inside to see if there was someone. At that moment, I also wasn’t really sure, but I knew that my mom didn’t go out and she was most likely in the house.”

She said an hour after the firefighters managed to contain the blaze, officials confirmed the heartbreaking news that her mother’s body had been discovered inside the house. “They asked me to come and identify the body, but I could not do it; it was too much for me emotionally. Then they asked a family member to identify.”

According to Lekonyane, the fire reignited later in the evening, and emergency teams had to return to the property. Multiple fire trucks were reportedly needed as firefighters battled with a limited water supply.

Also read: Fire erupts at house in Kew, one injured

“It was one of the worst days of my life. Usually, when someone passes because of sickness, there’s some kind of emotional preparation. But with the incident of a house fire, everything happens unexpectedly. It feels like the world shatters.

“I lost everything, my documents and my mother’s documents, while I still had to prepare for her funeral. I had to start my life from scratch. What is painful is that the cause of the fire is still unknown.”

Currently unemployed, Lekonyane said she had depended heavily on her mother for both emotional and financial support as her mother was running an early childhood development centre from home.

“Not only had I lost the person that I cared so dearly about. She was my rock, my supporter, she was everything to me. She supported me emotionally and financially, because currently I’m not working.

“But I’m fortunate to have the Austin and Kelvin community, because they have supported me a lot, from accommodation, food, clothing, furniture, and even helped with errands and financial support. I am so grateful.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Thato Lekonyane From Kelvin in Sandton speaks about the devastating house fire that claimed her mother’s life and destroyed their 15-room home on April 8. Currently unemployed and caring for her two-year-old son, she is appealing for food, clothing, monetary donations and employment opportunities as she rebuilds her life from scratch after losing the person who financially and emotionally supported her most. She also expresses her gratitude to those who have been supportive to her since the incident. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Blaze ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North

She also thanked organisations, including Sandton SPCA, Highveld Irrigation, Acacia House Bed and Breakfast, Mike’s Foundation and Ashraful Aid for their support.

However, the family’s struggles did not end after the fire. Lekonyane said the damaged property has become a target for burglars and thieves attempting to steal scrap metal and other material from the ruins.

“We have a security concern…We would like some assistance in terms of tightening the security, whether it’s an electric fence or barbed wire, and maybe try to cover the gate so no one can see into the yard.”

As she continues rebuilding her life after unimaginable loss, she is hopeful that community support and employment opportunities will help her secure a more stable future for her young family. She holds a degree in graphic design and marketing, but is open to all opportunities.

Those who would like to get in touch with Lekonyane can contact her on 082 268 3864 or email her at thatolekonyane5@gmail.com.

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