Mxolisi Cele from Murchison died in a house fire in the early hours of August 22.

His sister, Bongiwe Cele, said her brother was alone at home at the time of the incident.

Everything was destroyed, and Mxolisi was found inside, burnt beyond recognition.

“We received a call from neighbours at about 03:00. They said they heard an explosion and smelt something burning. When they looked outside, they saw the house on fire and went out to help.”

Cele added that by the time neighbours got to the house, it was already too late.

“It looked like my brother tried to escape because he was found near a window and was not in bed.”

The family is pleading for help as all their belongings have been lost. Urgent needs are clothing, bedding and food.

“We lost everything; we have absolutely nothing. Any help would be much appreciated, especially now that we are preparing for the funeral.”

She added that ward councillor Sbonelo Hadebe has tried to help them and has contacted the disaster centre for basic needs.

The family can be contacted on 078-914-2714.

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