IT was in October 2021 when a family from KwaMashu J section lost three loved ones and their home.
Three years later, the six family members are still homeless. All they are asking for is a home.
The family members, Fikelephi Mzimela (64), Mbali Mzimela (28) and Emihle Nyembe (4), died when flames broke out in their home on 12 October 2021.
The three were sitting inside the house with the doors opened but the burglar gates locked. So, when the fire broke out, they couldn't escape to save their lives.
It was reported that Fikelephi died in the fire while neighbours rescued Emihle and Mbali from the blaze. They both died in hospital on the same day.
The family said life had never been the same for them, especially because their aunt Fikelephi took care for the whole family as she was the breadwinner. And after she died in the fire, six siblings were left to take care of themselves.
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Speaking on behalf of the family, Nhlanhla Mzobe said as their house burnt in 2021, adding that he and his siblings had been staying at their uncle's house.
"We can't afford to rebuild our burnt home. We were hoping that the councillor would assist in rebuilding the house, but she didn't. So, now we are appealing to any Good Samaritan to come forward and help us," he said.
He said after the fire, the walls were still standing but everything was burnt.
"We decided to demolish the walls because they brought pain and sorrow to us," he said.
He said they know that times are hard these days, but they're hoping for a miracle because they have overstayed their welcome at their uncle's house.
"We're not asking for much but just a decent house that we can move into and is safe for us," he said.
KZN police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed that KwaMashu cops have registered an inquest docket for investigation following an incident that occurred on 12 October 2021, killing three family members.
"It's alleged that the victims were at their place of residence when the house caught fire," said Gwala.
