JOSEPH lost his shack, furniture and cars in a mysterious Christmas Day fire.
Joseph Shilenge (53) from Alaska in Mamelodi, Tshwane said he went to the tavern to buy booze with his 23-year-old girlfriend, and when they returned to their home they found it in flames.
He said he lost everything in the fire, including his R3 500 savings.
“When I looked into my shack there was a huge cloud of fire.
“I lost all my belongings. I’m saddened by the fact that after the fire died down, my girlfriend was nowhere to be found and I have not heard from her since,” he said.
Joseph’s Ford Sapphire and Chevrolet, which were parked next to his shack, were also burned.
Joseph lost furniture, clothes and important documents.
Neighbours said they tried to stop the fire but the flames were too strong.
Community leader Johannes Mashiane (58) said it cut short their Christmas celebrations.
Joseph suspects someone burned his shack and cars.
He has appealed for help as he has no food, clothes or blankets, nor material to rebuild his shack.
Joseph said he tried to open a case on Tuesday but police told him the 24 hours to report the case had passed and he also had moved his property.
Captain Jan Sepato advised Joseph to go back to open a case at the nearest police station and tell the police he suspected that someone burnt down his shack and cars.