THEY thought the fire that destroyed a RAV4 and a house on Sunday was caused by load shedding, but fire inspectors disagree.
Now, no one knows what caused the mystery fire.
The Maake family from Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, have been left with nothing after the fire gutted their renovated house and a new Toyota RAV4 and another car.
Husband Phillimon Maake (52) said he was sitting in the outside room with his wife, Rachel, in the evening when it happened.
His 22-year-old child, who was asleep, suddenly started screaming.
“When we rushed to the main house, we were greeted by a heavy smoke. I managed to get inside the house to help my son out,” said Phillimon.
Neighbours came to help kill the fire, but there was nothing they could do to save the family’s belongings.
By the time firefighters arrived, the fire was already raging out of control.
The family watched in despair as their house and cars were ravaged by flames. “We are left with only what we are wearing. This is unbelievable,” said Rachel (52).
“I can’t believe we have to start all over when we thought we were done with renovation.”
Phillimon said they recently bought the car, but fortunately it was insured.
“The house was also insured, except for the furniture.
“We don’t know what is it and don’t want to say it’s vutha. It is only God who knows. We ask Him to give us strength.”
Ekurhuleni Emergency services attended to the fire.
