Blaze guts family home
A well-known local family’s house in KwaMbonambi was gutted during a fire on Saturday.
THE well known Benade family of KwaMbonambi are counting their losses after a devastating fire on Sunday gutted their home and destroyed their belongings.
None of the family members were home at the time and, when someone walking passed the house noticed the flames, neighbours and fellow Kwambo residents sprang into action.
‘After managing to get onto our property, they salvaged what they could – some furniture and garage contents – and also called the fire department,’ said renowned local athlete, Joyce Benade.
‘When the gate was opened, the dogs ran out and a neighbour kindly kept them until we arrived home.
‘The fire started between 10 and 10.30am, and by the time I was home just before 11am, the blaze had completely destroyed the house.’
Sadly, the Benades’ four cats and most of their possessions were lost in the fire, but Joyce said they are extremely grateful to everyone who has rallied around them to help.
‘So many people have stepped in to help us, even people we didn’t know, and for that we are extremely grateful. ‘As a family we are very grateful to the people of KwaMbonambi, Richards Bay and Empangeni for their generous assistance, help and offers of accommodation.
‘This has been a humbling experience. ‘We may have lost our earthly possessions, but we are blessed that we still have each other and so many friends and family around us. ‘We are also grateful that no one was injured in the fire.’
Joyce spent a few days in hospital following the fire, but was discharged yesterday (Wednesday).
‘I had an operation on the Monday prior to the fire and my wound was re-opened when the dogs jumped up to greet me after the fire.’
Sappi, Mondi and the KwaMbonambi municipal fire trucks attended the scene. ‘We would like to ask everyone to please give us our privacy during this difficult time. ‘We still need to sift through the rubble to see if there is anything we can salvage, so we ask that people not remove things from the property.’