A SEVEN-bedroom holiday home in North Road, Oslo Beach was reduced to smouldering rubble after it went up in flames early on Sunday morning.
The single-storey building, bought seven years ago by Alberton couple Gerrie and Ronel Coetzee, had undergone extensive renovations since then.
“We were trembling with shock when we heard the news from the security company and neighbours who alerted us to the blaze,” said Mrs Coetzee. “We were sent photographs so we knew how bad it was. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and were speechless. How could anyone set this beautiful house alight,” she asked.
“Our daughter, Xandy, always wanted a house close to the beach,” said Mr Coetzee. ”So we bought the property and made the property wheelchair-friendly, both inside the house and outside to enable her to gain access to the beach. She loved the place and we used to visit four times a year.”
A family car which was parked in the carport was also set alight. The family used the car whenever they flew down to Margate.
“We are not going to let this blaze get us down and will rebuild my daughter’s dream house,” said Mr Coetzee. He added that they had recently installed new curtains and air conditioning units which they never even got to see.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid said Warrant Officer Patrick Gosling from Port Shepstone SAPS was on duty when he noticed the smoke and summoned the emergency services.
Police are investigating a case of arson.
The Coetzees have offered a reward of R20 000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Information can be forwarded to the Port Shepstone SAPS at 039 6881003.
The family would like to thank neighbours, My Den, who assisted police and the fire department during the incident.
