Inquiry into mayor’s house fire
THE family of newly elected Enoch Mgijima mayor Lindiwe Gunuza Nkwentsha was left without anything after a fire destroyed their Tarkastad home on Sunday night.
Speaking to The Rep on Wednesday morning, Gunuza said the fire started in one of the rooms in the house with another fire also starting up in a separate room.
The family had only recently moved into the house.
A man who was driving past her house, saw the flames and called the police who arrived and tried to kick the door open.
The family was asleep inside at the time, but woke up.
“When I looked down the passage, there was a light and I told my husband [Bubele] to go and switch off the light, but it was actually the fire. We are happy that there was no loss of life. At this stage we can’t speculate on possible arson but we are grateful to the ANC, the people of Chris Hani and people of Tarkastad for the support they have shown.”
The family was able to save the municipal vehicle and another car, but lost valuable possessions, including furniture and clothing.
Gunuza Nkwentsha said that, despite the unfortunate incident, she was committed to serving the people of Enoch Mgijima. “If this has something to do with my ascendance to the office of the executive mayor, it will not deter me. My life is about serving the people. What has happened is in the past and it will not stop me from my duties.”
Council speaker Mzoxolo Peter said council was awaiting a police report in order to make an informed statement.
Peter said support shown by the ANC and provincial and local government was appreciated.
Tarkastad area police spokesman captain Stephanie Smith said the police were investigating a possible case of arson.
“We have deployed our forensic team to the scene and will only be able to comment once it gives us a response.”