LEBOGANG Thobela (18) of block P in Soshanguve was woken by the sound of the electricity meter in their shack giving off sparks.
When she went to the bedroom to investigate on Thursday night, she was blown back by angry flames.
She said she was terrified but knew she had to save her two-year-old baby boy and older sister.
“I went back to my room and woke up my sister, took my baby and ran for the door.”
But the three got stuck because they could not find the key for the burglar bars.
Her sister Ruth (25) said they turned back to try and find another way to get out but realised the fire had already spread to other rooms.
“We wanted to get out of the house through our bedroom window, but the fire covered most of the rooms, including our bedroom.
Luckily, the three were rescued by their neighbours, who heard their screams for help.
“They removed the corrugated iron sheets from the side and we managed to get out of the shack,” said Lebogang, adding that the fire moved very fast.
The fire brigade was called while supportive residents tried to put out the fire with buckets full of water.
“By the time the brigade arrived, everything was burnt to the ground,” said Lebogang. She added that luckily no one was in the bedroom where the meter was located.
Captain Sarah Lesabane said an inquiry has been opened. “We cannot investigate arson because no one set the shack on fire.”