The Ratshilavhi family of Tshiozwi in the Sinthumule area was left homeless after their one-bedroom house burnt to ashes last Thursday night.

The fire broke out during a period when no-one was in the house. Community members expressed their suspicions that it may have been arson. “We don´t know what the cause of the fire was, but it seems as if someone had entered and set the house on fire,” said the brother of the owner of the house, Mr Solomon Ratshilavhi.

Solomon said that his sister, Ms Sophy Ratshilavhi, was admitted to hospital a few weeks ago. When he saw the smoke billowing from a distance last Thursday, he did not immediately think that it could be his sister house that was on fire.

"We were shocked when we found out that it was my sister house and to find that all the contents had been burnt to ashes," Ratshilavhi said. He estimates the damage at approximately R120 000. "The neighbours told us that they heard an explosion, followed by a fire," he said. According to Solomon, his sister and her children are left with only the clothes they wore. He said that they watched helplessly and saw the rafters snap. The time was well past midnight.

The headman, Mr Daniel Mavhandu, urged the family to accept what had happened. Mavhandu appealed to the community who may know the alleged perpetrator to report him or her to the police. “It is a time to be united and continue with our lives. Let us put everything in God’s hands, because he is the only One who knows what had happened,” Mavhundu said.

For the time being, the homeless family is staying over with relatives. A plea was made to community members and the business sector to assist the family with food, clothes, school uniforms and books. “My sister wants to repair the house, but it seems as if it will be difficult, as she does not have any source of income,” said Solomon.

Anyone who wants to help can call him at 072 335 8828.