Emily Appels, estranged wife of the deceased, said that their Zimbabwean backyard dweller had explained that the electricity supply to both Chinaka's and her rooms, kept tripping. "She said that every time she flipped the switch back the electricity would come on, but as soon as she was nearly at the house, it would trip again. She did this a few times and the last time it wouldn't come back on and then she saw the smoke coming from Oupa's [Chinaka] room," explained Appels.
According to Lieutenant Sharon Damons, Knysna SAPS corporate communications officer, Chinaka was inside the house when the fire erupted. She confirmed that his body was later found by the firemen who had doused the flames. Chinaka was the only fatality in the fire. According to Damons the fire started in the main (Chinaka's) house.
"The cause of the fire is not yet determined and at this stage no foul play is suspected," said Damons.
A tearful Appels spoke highly of her late estranged husband. She explained the circumstances which had led to their estrangement. "Ten years ago our son Emile was killed in an accident and the stress was just too much for both of us and our relationship to bear. Up until he [Chinaka] died I prayed that God would help us get back together, I didn't want to be without him.
"He would visit us [Appels, their children and grandchildren] every day, always bringing us something special. Now he is just gone," said an obviously traumatised Appels while her grandchildren clung to her, offering the little comfort they could.
The morning following the fire, neighbours and curious onlookers stood around the charred remnants of what had once been the home of Chinaka, watching as forensic personnel sifted through the debris in an attempt to recover his remains. They all agreed that Nekkies had lost a very special man, a man who had always put others' needs before his own. "Just yesterday [the day of the fire] he gave my two-year-old a sucker. He always did that; even when he didn't have anything for himself, he was always sharing."
Residents commended the efforts of the Knysna Fire Department and its firefighters. Knysna municipal manager, Lauren Waring confirmed that the fire was reported at 21:00 and that four vehicles of the Knysna Municipal Fire Service responded to the scene.
While satisfied with the services of the fire department, residents in the vicinity of the fire aired their grievances and fears regarding their wooden dwellings, which they believe pose a serious fire risk.
They wanted to know when they would have safer brick-and-mortar structures to call home. Waring explained, "The building of brick-and-mortar homes is not the only solution to dangerous practices that cause fires. Illegal and dangerous electricity connections, smoking cigarettes in bed, and candles and gas stoves left unattended are some of the most common causes of fires. Shacks are generally set up too close together and should be at least eight metres apart for it to be safe from a neighbouring fire."
"It should also be pointed out that the building of homes is a provincial government mandate. However, the municipality facilitates this process. Persons wanting to check their status on the housing waiting list or persons wanting to apply for a housing subsidy can visit their local housing office," Waring concluded.
Chinaka's funeral service will start at the Appels residence on Saturday, February 2 at 09:00, followed by a church service at the Hlalani Apostolic Church at 10:00. The burial will take place at 11:00 at the Knysna Cemetery.
Emily Appels, wife of the deceased Michael Chiwaka being comforted by her grandchildren (left) Veronique Appels, Kirthy Jonas and Chesleen Appels.
