Although the neighbours tried to assist, they could not save the Mulatedzi family’s only house from being destroyed in a fire.

The family´s one-roomed shack was destroyed by a mysterious fire last Thursday. Community members of Vhutuwangadzebu-Mpheni village in the Elim area are still shocked, following the incident that occurred at about 12: 30 that day.

According to eyewitnesses, they only saw a shack burning, but did not know where the fire was coming from, since there was no one in the house.

The 24-year-old unemployed mother and owner of the shack, Mpho Mulatedzi, was not at home at the time of the fire. She did not believe her eyes when she arrived home. Her only house that she relied on for protection against the elements had been reduced to ashes. “I felt like I was dreaming when I watched helplessly,” she said.

She now appeals to anyone who can come to her rescue to assist her.

“I am now appealing to any good Samaritan out there to come and assist me. What I want is to have a roof over my head. What have I done to deserve this?” she said.

“We received a call from neighbours last Thursday, who alerted us about a burning shack. We have opened a case of arson,” the spokesman for the Waterval SAPS, Insp Kedibone Mabatha said.

Anyone who can assist the family can contact Mabatha at 079 894 5467.