KNYSNA NEWS - A fire that ravaged a home in Katrina Street in Hornlee last week has left its occupants with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and a television set that was salvaged from the flames.
Keashe Mankoe, one of the occupants of the home, shared details of the fire that destroyed their belongings, including furniture, clothes, and food.
'Sleeping on couch'
"I was sleeping on the couch in the living room when my son alerted me about a fire in one of the back rooms," Mankoe said.
"By the time I checked it out, the fire was already too far gone. The only thing I could do was make sure everyone got to safety."
Mankoe, her son, and her sister were the only ones in the home when the fire broke out. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported, although the damage to their property was severe.
Gratitude
Mankoe expressed her gratitude to members of the community who quickly sprang into action, helping to contain the fire until the fire brigade arrived. Despite their efforts, extensive damage was caused by the fire before it was put out.
"We want to thank the Vermont Old Age Home for providing us with food and clothes, and we are so grateful for the support.
Metal was stripped from a washing machine by thieves.
"We've already contacted the ward councillor and municipality for help with repairing the house, but until then, we are staying at my father's home," Mankoe said.
Home raided at night
In the meantime their damaged home is being raided by criminals during the night, who are stealing burglar bars and anything remotely valuable still left there.
The fire spread quickly to a neighbour's property, including to a Ford Bantam bakkie owned by Isaac Ludwick.
Isaac Ludwick lost his Ford Bantam bakkie in the fire.
'It spread quickly'
Ludwick, although devastated by the loss of his vehicle, was thankful that he and his wife were able to move their belongings to safety before the fire reached their house.
"My bakkie was a non-runner, but I had planned to sell it for R30 000 because most of the parts were still in working condition.
"The fire caught a wooden cabin next to my bakkie, and from there, it spread quickly.
Looking for assistance
"As a precaution, my wife and I moved our furniture and other belongings, and I managed to move my other car out of the way of the flames," Ludwick said.
Both Mankoe and Ludwick are looking for assistance as they rebuild their lives after the fire.
Anyone wishing to assist these families can contact Keashe Mankoe at 067 436 4318 and Isaac Ludwick at 066 317 9898.
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