A family of four from Mthofi Village in Vosman Ext 17 is pleading for the public’s help after a fire destroyed their four-roomed shack and burnt all their belongings to ashes weeks before their lobola celebration.

According to Thembi Mkhonto, the woman of the house, the incident occurred in the early hours of October 15 while she was at a cousin’s house with her daughters and her partner was at work.

Family loses everything weeks before lobola celebration

Although neighbours tried to act swiftly, they said that by the time help arrived, the shack and everything inside had already burnt down. The cause of the fire is unknown.

READ MORE: Police launch murder probe after two killed in Kriel-Bethal road shooting

Among the losses were cash that had been saved to buy a cow for their lobola celebration scheduled for October 31, wedding gifts, furniture and clothing.

“Everything got burnt,” Mkhonto said. “We were only left with the clothes we were wearing.”

The fire also destroyed the children’s books and a laptop belonging to their 22-year-old daughter, who is currently writing exams at Nkangala TVET College.

Community steps up to rebuild shack

After the incident, community members and leaders stepped up and contributed to rebuilding the family’s shack.

“The neighbours have rebuilt the shack in the same way, thanks to everyone for their significant contributions,” said Fortune Mbonani, a community development worker in the area. “Helping the community in dire need is a calling. I believe that it’s the kind of job that one is called for, and it’s a blessing uniting the community in order for us to take care of each other.”

Family appeals for household donations

Mkhonto said they still need assistance with donations of items such as clothes, a bed, blankets, curtains and window panes as the windows are not yet covered and they are currently accommodated by someone who agreed to have them for one month.

“We are really grateful to the community which stepped up to help us, and we still urge anyone who may have any kind of help to please intervene,” Mkhonto said.

For more information on how you can assist or donate, you can contact Mkhonto on 082 078 8217.

Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court grants bail to trio accused in Radebe’s vigilante killing Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/Iri6WMfdB2 https://t.co/ueRrXrZKGA

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) October 28, 2026

Your city, your story, as it happens. Stay in the loop with WITBANK NEWS.
Find us on our  website, Facebook, X,  Instagram or TikTok

Got a tip? Email: info@witbanknews.co.za