Tenant dies in fire lit by candle

AN ELDERLY man died after the candle he lit during load shedding allegedly fell in the Wendy house he rented.

Farouk Sheik, 77, of Bombay Heights, died in the early hours of Monday.

The fire spread to the main house on the property, which also burnt down.

Reemis Ruthanum, the property owner's son-in-law, said his family mourned the loss of their tenant and their home.

“We think the fire started when the candle in the Wendy house fell. It then spread to the main house where my in-laws and family were asleep when they were woken up by the sounds of objects burning.

“My in-laws and other relatives immediately helped my mom-in-law’s 93-year-old mother get out of the house. I live nearby. When I arrived, we watched as the fire consumed the home.” His family are now living with him. “I thank God they are safe. But we are sad that we lost Farouk. He lived on the property for two years and was a wonderful person. He just celebrated Eid and this had to happen. He was buried on Monday evening.”

He said this was his in-laws' family home for 50 years.

“They have treasured memories of their home and they have now lost everything.”

He said they hoped to rebuild the home.