Family from Limpopo is in need of help in order to rebuild their house after it burnt into ashes.
As reported by Daily Sun, this comes after their home was destroyed by fire on Tuesday, 3 September.
The family from Matiyani Village in Limpopo said their eight-roomed house was engulfed in flames at about 7am, shortly after power was restored following an Eskom load reduction.
It appears that the restoration of power allegedly triggered the fire, which rapidly consumed the family’s house.
Tsakani Chauke (46), a hawker with a stall near her home, told the Daily Sun that she initially saw smoke.
“I tried to call my son, but he didn’t answer his phone as he was still asleep. When I rushed home, I found that everything had been burnt to ashes,” she said.
She said she’s not sure what caused the fire, but it happened shortly after load reduction.
“I was relieved that my son and his child were safe. My late husband had built the house years ago and I’m not sure as to how I will rebuild it,” she said.
Tsakani said that she would appreciate any assistance, as even the school uniforms of her two grandkids, aged six and 10, were destroyed in the fire.
The family had two additional rooms, but some members will need to move in with relatives.
Vhembe police spokesman Sergeant Vuledzani Dath said that the Saselemani cop shop is investigating the incident.
“The fire brigade was telephonically notified and by the time they arrived, everything in the house had already been consumed by the flames. The police investigation continues,” Dath said.
Ntshavheni Nenguda, Eskom’s spokesman in Thohoyandou, said that customers who believe damage is due to Eskom’s negligence should report it to the power utility.
He said Eskom will investigate the matter but will not accept liability until the investigation is complete.
“Eskom is conducting audits in affected areas and working with the community to report illegal connections and non-compliant behaviour. We encourage residents to report illegal electricity connections to Eskom,” he said.
