The shack in Empumelelweni which burned with Mr Michael Ratau (43) inside on Monday, June 17.
Mr Geelboy Rakgalakane speaks fondly of his tenant Mr Michael Ratau (43) of Empumelelweni who burned to death inside a shack.
The reason is not hard to find why Mr Rakgalakane speaks so well about the late Mr Ratau because it is said that Ratau was loved by everybody in the area.
Mr Rakgalakane indicated that he heard some noises outside while they were asleep at about 04:00 in the morning on Monday, June 17 and when he tried to find out what was happening, he was met by huge flames in the shack.
I went back to wake the other people in the house and the neighbours.
“We tried putting out the fire but it was strong and another problem was water which has become a problem in the past days. I tried to go inside but I could not because of the fire coming from the door. Everything inside the shack was burned.”
Mr Ratau is originally from Siyabuswa and was staying alone in the shack.
It is believed that he has two young daughters and were separated with their mother.
Rakgalakane thinks that a candle might have started the fire since Ratau did not have electricity in the shack.
It is also said that he worked as a gardener in one of the suburbs.
“I took Ratau to stay in my shack after he was evicted from his previous shack. I found him with his clothes and furniture outside and took sympathy and took him along. Water is a problem in the area. At one time we did not have water for a period of three months. Something needs to be done to avoid such incidences happening in the future,” added Rakgalakane.
Mr Rakgalakane said he lost tools to the value of more than R28 000 which were kept in the shack.
Police are investigating.
