Mom dies in flat fire
A DAY after Jackie Naidoo spent Mother’s Day with her son, she burnt to death in a fire at her home in Westham, Phoenix.
Naidoo, 35, lived in a two-bedroomed council flat with her 12-yearold son and her partner of four years.
Her sister, Colleen Vermeulen, said Naidoo’s neighbour contacted the family on Monday to tell them the flat was on fire.
“The neighbour said she saw Jackie’s partner put my nephew into his transport for school and return to the flat. Shortly after that, he left.”
Vermeulen said soon thereafter there was an explosion.
“The neighbour said they heard glass breaking and then the flat was on fire. Someone called the fire department and the police.
“My sister’s body was found on her bed. Her African Grey birds, which she loved so much, also died.”
Vermeulen said they were not sure what happened but were trying to be strong for Naidoo’s son.
“His dad passed away a few years ago. My nephew and his mother did everything together. On Mother’s Day, she was not feeling well so he made her breakfast and gave her a card saying how much he loved and appreciated her.
“He also gave her a shampoo set and a gift voucher. All these items were destroyed in the fire. A child should not be robbed of his mother at such a young age. He is now living with me.
“Jackie was the backbone of our family. Whenever someone was sick or needed help, she was there for them. She worked at a call centre but left about four years ago after our father died,” Vermeulen said.
Naidoo’s funeral is being planned for later this week.
Jay Kanniappen, the commander at the eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services Unit North Region, said they had concluded their report on the fire and handed it to the police.
Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, a provincial police spokesperson, said an inquest docket was opened at Phoenix police station