Community rebuild after deadly fire

THE NOMZAMO informal settlement community near Strand have been hard at work rebuilding the home of the Sotondoshe family, following a fire that swept through their home and killed their 5-year-old son, Linathi Aluta Mpengesi.

Onesimo Sotondoshe, the boy’s father, said they were struggling to come to terms with what happened. “We are struggling to receive the body of my son, due to the DNA process that needs to be done, we need lot of support. We do not even have money for this up and down,” he said.

“We have been getting assistance from people and departments, such as Sassa giving us blankets and food from the day the incident happened, and the Department of Human Settlements gave us building materials.”

The family and the community suspect the fire was caused by illegal connections, while the fire rescue service said “the cause of fire is still undetermined”. The muddy area made it difficult for fire fighters to douse the fire.

“We as a community are helping, but we need more to ensure the families are taken care of during such tough times,” said Yonela Twice, a neighbour.

“Now we are working hard to assist the family rebuild their home,” she said.

Ward councillor of Nomzamo, Sitembile Mfecane was also hands on as the community rebuild their shacks.

‘WE DO NOT EVEN HAVE MONEY FOR THIS UP AND DOWN’