Concerned social workers, community members and a Buffalo City Metro ward councillor have appealed for assistance for a homeless Zwelitsha family after their home was destroyed during a suspected arson attack.The Ntsabo family lost all their possessions when their home was gutted by fire last Monday at about 11am.
No one was inside the six-roomed house at the time.
Police spokeswoman Lieutenant Siphokazi Mawisa said a 47-year-old man was taken in for questioning following the fire, but was later released after not being linked to the investigation.
“A case of arson was opened for investigation,” said Mawisa.
“At the moment we can’t confirm the cause of the fire. No suspect has been arrested yet.”
Homeowner Yekelwa Ntsabo, 53, said she had been deeply hurt to see her home of 19 years destroyed.
“This has really disturbed me mentally and emotionally,” Ntsabo said.
“We really have no idea of how the fire could have started but we suspect it broke out in my bedroom and we strongly believe it was arson.
“We have a suspect and have informed the police.”
She said the house was home to seven people, the youngest being her six-year-old grandchild.
“I am unemployed and widowed. My husband, who was a breadwinner, died in 2010. I don’t know how I will rebuild this house he left us because I am unemployed and my eldest working daughter will not be able to rebuild this house,” Ntsabo said.
The family is currently staying in a garage on the property, which was not destroyed by the fire.
Since last week, they have received donations from concerned residents, social workers, school teachers and BCM in the form of beds, blankets, clothes and food.
Ward councillor Tony Mtintsilana said the community was concerned about the family, especially as they did not have a stable income.
“The family did get some assistance from our disaster management department. I am currently working on getting them a structure for some temporary relief. We are trying all we can do but it is not enough.”
The family is expected to receive assistance from the South African Social Security Agency for groceries, school uniforms and clothes. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
Suspected arson attack leaves family homeless
The Ntsabo family lost all their possessions when their home was gutted by fire last Monday at about 11am.
No one was inside the six-roomed house at the time.
Police spokeswoman Lieutenant Siphokazi Mawisa said a 47-year-old man was taken in for questioning following the fire, but was later released after not being linked to the investigation.
“A case of arson was opened for investigation,” said Mawisa.
“At the moment we can’t confirm the cause of the fire. No suspect has been arrested yet.”
Homeowner Yekelwa Ntsabo, 53, said she had been deeply hurt to see her home of 19 years destroyed.
“This has really disturbed me mentally and emotionally,” Ntsabo said.
“We really have no idea of how the fire could have started but we suspect it broke out in my bedroom and we strongly believe it was arson.
“We have a suspect and have informed the police.”
She said the house was home to seven people, the youngest being her six-year-old grandchild.
“I am unemployed and widowed. My husband, who was a breadwinner, died in 2010. I don’t know how I will rebuild this house he left us because I am unemployed and my eldest working daughter will not be able to rebuild this house,” Ntsabo said.
The family is currently staying in a garage on the property, which was not destroyed by the fire.
Since last week, they have received donations from concerned residents, social workers, school teachers and BCM in the form of beds, blankets, clothes and food.
Ward councillor Tony Mtintsilana said the community was concerned about the family, especially as they did not have a stable income.
“The family did get some assistance from our disaster management department. I am currently working on getting them a structure for some temporary relief. We are trying all we can do but it is not enough.”
The family is expected to receive assistance from the South African Social Security Agency for groceries, school uniforms and clothes. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
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