I saved lives, now they are kicking me out of the country
HERO WHO RESCUED CHILDREN FROM FIRE IS NOW FACING DEPORTATION
A HERO neighbour who helped save children from a burning house claims he has been told to get out of Britain.
Robert Chilowa, 46, dashed to the scene of the ferocious blaze engulfing a neighbour’s house after hearing screams of terror – and helped rescue two young children from the flames, which claimed the lives of their grandparents.
Police and fire chiefs praised Robert’s bravery, which they said ‘truly demonstrated community spirit.’ They said more lives could have been lost but for his ‘noble’ actions, along with those of other neighbours.
But just three weeks after the rescue he is fighting to save his home in Withington after being told he has outstayed his welcome in the UK.
Hospitalised for smoke inhalation after the fire, he has also been told not to use the NHS, he said.
Mr Chilowa, who came to the UK in 2001, says he is facing deportation to Zimbabwe – where he says he fears for his safety. “It is a slap in the face,” he said. “Friends said ‘when are you going to see the Queen? When are you going to be knighted’?
“I did a great job but now what they are saying is ‘get lost.’”
Three girls and one boy aged between ten and 17, along with their uncle, were taken to hospital after the fire in the early hours of February 10.
Grandparents Mohammed Awad, 56, and Hasma Awad, 47, died at the scene.
Mr Chilowa ran to the house in his bare feet and was alerted by the older sister – who had jumped from an upstairs window – that her brother and sisters were trapped inside.
Fighting the heat and smoke, he called up and told the youngsters to jump and he would catch them.
But last week he was called to a meeting with immigration officials who told him he had to leave the UK as there was ‘no case to answer his application to stay,’ he said.
He returned home to find a letter from outsourcing firm Serco giving him a ‘notice to quit’ his home after support from the Home Office was ended.
The letter threatens court action if he stays in the house and warns he must be out by March 11.
He was also informed he cannot claim benefits, or get alternative accommodation from the local council – and it advises him help may be available from the Salvation Army, Red Cross or religious organisations. Mr Chilowa adds: “It really broke my heart what I’m going through now. I did nothing wrong. I don’t have a criminal record. Someone should have a heart.” He is reluctant to go into details about why he does not want to return to Zimbabwe, for fear of consequences for his family still living there, but the African state is in turmoil, suffering political violence under the rule of dictator Robert Mugabe. But Home Office officials believe that Mr Chilowa does not require protection from the UK and can safely return home. A spokesman said: “The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection and every case is assessed on its individual merits. If someone is found not to need our protection we expect them to leave the UK.”
I have done nothing wrong. I don’t have a criminal record. Someone should have a heart Robert Chilowa