The Netswera family of Tswera suffered a double blow, when a raging fire killed their son and destroyed their property. According to the police, it is alleged that the fire was caused by a burning candle.

Besides having to cope with the loss of a loved one and injuries to other family members, the poor family of seven has to contend with extreme conditions of poverty. They now have nowhere to sleep and their belongings, including their clothing, were destroyed in the fire.

The family has to start from scratch and it seems it is going to be an uphill struggle, as no one is working in the family.

Mulweli Netswera (5), a Grade R learner at the local primary school, was killed in the fire. His granny, Muofhe Netswera (79), was seriously burnt during an attempt to save the life of Mulweli. Mulweli´s other brother, Orifha (11), was burnt in the face. He was treated at the local hospital and discharged.

During Mirror´s visit, a few relatives and neighbours were comforting the children. The children´s mother was still in hospital, recuperating from severe burns incurred during the fire.

"As a family, we are greatly saddened by what happened. We are trying to pick up the pieces, so that life can continue, but life is a real struggle here," said Mr Phineas Nyelisani, an uncle who stays not far from the family. Nyelisani said if it were not for the poverty that had engulfed the family, the tragedy could have been averted. "The family is very poor and they only make ends meet through grants, which are not even not enough for their basic needs."

According to him, they did not have electricity and were forced to use candles, which led to the tragedy. He said what further grieved the family was that they did not have shelter as the other huts could collapse at any given time. "The pain of losing our boy was immense, but it has come to pass and we are now faced poverty. It is very dehumanising and if we do not get help soon, it is going toaffect the children negatively," he said.

The mother of the deceased boy, Ndidzulafhi Netswera, said the incident had added a burden to the struggling family. "I am not working, and the pain of losing my son added to the burden on my shoulders. I am very stressed. All our belongings have gone with the fire. We do not even know what to do as there is no place to sleep now," she said.

She said she was just surviving on the mercy of the people. "My community is wonderful. They are always there when we need them," she said.

Makuya police spokesperson W/O Mashudu Madida said they did not suspect any foul play. "We have opened an inquest docket, but we have a request to make to our communities. Make sure that no candles are left burning before you go to sleep," he said.

Mulweli was buried on Saturday. Those who would like to assist this impoverished family can do so by phoning Ndidzulafhi Netswera at 076 204 1594 or 076 401 1601.