Tears of desperation flowed down the face of 48-year-old Nosihle Zangwa as she shared her story of grief.

The courageous single mother of three children recently suffered an unimaginable tragedy when her home in the foothills of the village of Magog, KwaMadlala (inland from Pumula), burnt to the ground.

All that remains are ashes.

Nosihle and her younger children, aged eight and three, were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Sergeant Thembeka Magubane from Southport Saps, who is also the gender based violence helpdesk coordinator, said the fire was started by Nosihle’s 24-year-old son, who struggles with drug addiction and related mental health challenges.

“This tragedy has not only left them without a roof over their heads, but has also taken away their sense of security, comfort and stability,” said Magubane.

“Nosihle is now desperately trying to rebuild her life for the sake of her children, but the journey ahead is overwhelming.”

Nosihle explained that she had left home to phone the police after a quarrel with her son, who had become aggressive and threatened to ‘show her’. Moments later she saw black smoke rising from the direction of her house.

“As I got closer, I realised it was my home on fire. I felt weak and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Everything I had worked so hard for was gone – even precious photos of my children,” she said.

A survivor of abuse, Noshile had rebuilt her life after leaving her partner a few years ago.
She worked hard and pieced together her home with items bought charity finds. She is currently unemployed, only working one day a week as a domestic worker.

Now, she and her children face starting over from nothing.

Magubane has appealed to compassionate individuals and organisations to help the family get back on their feet.

Contributions can assist with: temporary shelter or long-term housing, food, clothing and other essentials, school supplies for the children and furniture and building materials to rebuild their home. Donations of clothing, food, furniture, building materials or other essentials can be dropped off at the Southport saps Victim Friendly Room, Block E.

For inquiries or to arrange contributions, contact Magubane at 039 681 2065 / 081 880 9884 or email MagubaneTp@saps.gov.za

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