A TERRIFYING storm has caused severe damage in Mabopane, Tshwane.
It's believed that the storm was caused by a mermaid (mamogashwa) crossing from Mzansi Resort dam, formerly known as Morula Sun.
It is said to be an annual occurrence that Mabopane residents are forced to replace, change and rebuild their homes due to the storm that occurs every festive season.
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When Daily Sun visited the area on Wednesday, December 20, the Tsebe B1 informal settlement in Odi had the most damage with more than 60 shacks destroyed, leaving residents isolated and vulnerable.
Victim Anna Maluleka (45) is a single mum of four kids, with the youngest being 10 months old. She works as a cleaner and has nowhere to sleep.
She said the storm began at 8.08pm and only lasted for 20 minutes.
"I've never been so scared in my entire life. The storm was very horrific and mysterious. It was as if a beast was shaking the entire Mabopane area," she said.
She said her entire four-roomed shack crashed over her and her family before flying away.
"All my furniture is damaged from the fridge, grocery cupboards, beds and all the clothes and blankets are wet. I don't know where I'll begin to pick up the pieces or where we will sleep tonight," she said.
Among the items damaged were Anna's child's clinic card and other important documenst.
Madala Johannes Mashaba (75), who moved from Klipgat three months ago, told Daily Sun what he witnessed was like something out of a nightmare.
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He said his three-roomed shack was destroyed, leaving only one room standing. He said he tried to look out the window when he heard a large dinosaur-like sound outside but couldn't see anything as the entire surface was white and he couldn't even see the neighbour's house.
"All the windows broke, and electrical cables were disconnected, including my fence as well as the poles outside. I survive on social grants, and I don't have the funds to repair all the damages," he said.
Johannes pleaded with social development department and Gift of the Givers to help the affected families.
“I don’t want to have a bad Christmas without a home. Other communities are also urged to donate the little they have to help accommodate those without homes,” he said.
His neighbours tried to repair his shack despite the fact that other pieces of iron were missing.
