Desperate attempts to save five people who were trapped inside a burning shack in Orange Grove settlement near East London Airport this week ended in tragedy.
Nonzukiso Gijana, 38, her children Sisipho and Ayabonga, aged 12 and one respectively, and her sister’s children Sinothando and Siphosihle, aged five and two, were burnt beyond recognition inside the three-room shack. The incident happened early Monday morning.
Neighbour Ntobeko Sola said they had tried to save the woman and children from the blaze but it was too late.
“It was hard to watch the shack, which was gutted by fire, while we knew that there were people inside but we couldn’t help. It was painful, we stood helpless next to the shack,” said Sola.
“The way the shack was burning, it was as if there was fuel inside it. Everyone was panicking outside with thought of those who inside.”
Buffalo City firefighters arrived at the scene, but it was too late to save anyone from the blaze. It is not clear what started the fire.
East London police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala said an inquest docket has been opened.
Sola said Gijana’s body was found in what used to be the kitchen next to a melted water container. They believe the woman was trying to get water to put out the fire, but probably fell.
Sola said they did not hear any screams for help. “One person heard one scream but we didn’t hear this family calling for help at all.
“They were our neighbours and our children are constantly asking about their friends who died in the shack. We are hurt by this.”
Nonzukiso Gijana’s father, Thozamile, who stays in Mdantsane, said he was shocked to receive a call at 5am on Monday about the incident.
“I could not believe what I was hearing from the people and we had to rush to the scene. They were all burnt beyond recognition.
“How did this happen?”
Her uncle, Mpumelelo Nongwevu, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the incident. He said the family was left with many unanswered questions.
“She was a single mother who was working hard to help her family.” ”
The five will be buried in Cofimvaba next week and the family is calling for anyone who can pledge support to them to assist.
Adult and four children die in Orange Grove shack fire
Nonzukiso Gijana, 38, her children Sisipho and Ayabonga, aged 12 and one respectively, and her sister’s children Sinothando and Siphosihle, aged five and two, were burnt beyond recognition inside the three-room shack. The incident happened early Monday morning.
Neighbour Ntobeko Sola said they had tried to save the woman and children from the blaze but it was too late.
“It was hard to watch the shack, which was gutted by fire, while we knew that there were people inside but we couldn’t help. It was painful, we stood helpless next to the shack,” said Sola.
“The way the shack was burning, it was as if there was fuel inside it. Everyone was panicking outside with thought of those who inside.”
Buffalo City firefighters arrived at the scene, but it was too late to save anyone from the blaze. It is not clear what started the fire.
East London police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala said an inquest docket has been opened.
Sola said Gijana’s body was found in what used to be the kitchen next to a melted water container. They believe the woman was trying to get water to put out the fire, but probably fell.
Sola said they did not hear any screams for help. “One person heard one scream but we didn’t hear this family calling for help at all.
“They were our neighbours and our children are constantly asking about their friends who died in the shack. We are hurt by this.”
Nonzukiso Gijana’s father, Thozamile, who stays in Mdantsane, said he was shocked to receive a call at 5am on Monday about the incident.
“I could not believe what I was hearing from the people and we had to rush to the scene. They were all burnt beyond recognition.
“How did this happen?”
Her uncle, Mpumelelo Nongwevu, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the incident. He said the family was left with many unanswered questions.
“She was a single mother who was working hard to help her family.” ”
The five will be buried in Cofimvaba next week and the family is calling for anyone who can pledge support to them to assist.
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