Seven family members die in blaze
Government to assist the family as they recover from this tragedy.
Several generations of the Mthembu family, the youngest only two-weeks old, perished after a mysterious fire engulfed their home last Saturday.
It is believed that a traditional ceremony was to be held the next day at the family home in Kwa Nhlalwane, St Faiths under the Umzumbe Local Municipality.
It was reported that neighbours risked their own lives as they tried to help the stricken family.
Seven Mthembu family members lost their lives in the blaze. To date there is no indication of what caused the devastating fire that has left family and neighbours heartbroken.
Initially five relatives, the mother Bongekile Mthembu (37) and her four children – the youngest being two-week-old baby Zanokuhle, Noluthando (9), Anathi (9), met their gruesome deaths last Saturday night while two-year-old Onge died later in hospital last Sunday afternoon.
Two additional family members, 31-year-old Thobeka and seven-year-old Ayabonga, died in hospital on Monday this week. Neighbours rescued four people who were treated for smoke inhalation and burns at a local clinic.
KZN Social Development spokesperson, Mhlabunzima Memela has praised the family’s neighbours for risking their lives to help the victims. “At this stage, no one has indicated what caused that devastating fire, but the neighbours have described that incident as a traumatic experience and that they felt helpless because they were unable to rescue all the family members.”
The MEC off Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza has sent a team of social workers to the family to provide psycho-social support, as well as for the community as it played a critical role to rescue other family members.
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala accompanied by other officials visited the family to pay their respects and offer comfort and support on Tuesday this week. “It is clear that the family requires the support of the government in rebuilding their homes and to stand on their own. Government will assist the family as they recover from this tragedy.”
Ugu District Municipality confirmed that its disaster fire and management rescue team was called out to the house to extinguish the blaze. On arrival, the rescue teams put out the fire and provided emergency rescue services to some of the victims.
Ugu Mayor, Phumlile Mthiyane visited the family with disaster relief items such as mattresses, blankets, food packs and other essential items while they prepare for the funeral.
Provincial police spokesperson, Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said an inquest docket was opened at St Faiths police station for investigation. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated. “
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