Man dies after tuck-shop fire
The black ruins of what was a tuck-shop just a few weeks ago, were a quiet witness of a sad incident earlier this week.
A man lost his battle to survive after he tried to protect his tuck-shop from burning down.
He was rushed to hospital on Monday, October 13 after a fire consumed their stock in a tuck-shop they had in Extension 5.
His friend was rushed to hospital with severe burns and was still in the Intensive Care Unit the following day.
Neighbours who gathered outside the house later the evening said it was not a very safe environment as petrol and gas were also sold from the premises.
The owner of the house, Ms Shirley Madonsela was overcome with emotions when she saw what was left of the place
she called home.
She was on her way back from work when she received news of the fire.
She allowed the two men to run the tuck-shop from her house.
Luckily, neighbours were quick to respond when the fire started and carried her belongings out before it too would be consumed by flames.
Friends of the deceased said he was a jolly man who tried to make a living in South Africa.
“We are from Bangladesh, far away from home. We are torn after the death of the man we call brother,” one of the friends who refused to give his name, said.
According to Capt Klaas Maloka, spokesperson for Vosman SAPS, it is alleged that a gas stove exploded.
“An inquest was opened and further leads are being followed,” said Capt Maloka.
Vosman SAPS Station Commander, Brig Victoria Kheswa commented, “Precautionary measures are of extreme importance when using a gas stove or related mechanisms, which all demand to be double checked from time to time.”
At time of going to press the deceased was not formally identified.
