THE Mofokeng family in Mabolela village in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, has been left devastated after losing two members in a shack fire on Tuesday, 17 May.
Poppy (13) and her father, Matinyane, were sleeping along with their siblings and mum when their shack caught fire.
Wife MaPoppy said there was no electricity, so they all decided to sleep early.
“We don’t know what set our mkhukhu alight. The fire started where the kids were sleeping. We just saw it all over the house. My husband managed to rescue me and our two sons,” she said.
“He was critically wounded when he tried to take Poppy out. We were helpless due to the fact that we’ve had no water for four months in our village. My daughter was burnt beyond recognition. I have only seen her skeleton,” she added.
Matinyane succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, 19 May, after being admitted at Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Hospital since the incident.
Family spokeswoman Mantwa blamed the absence of water for the tragedy.
“Neighbours had to watch my brother and his daughter burning down due to unavailability of water. We are devastated. We have nothing to bury them, and appeal to villagers to assist us,” said Mantwa.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said a case of inquest had been registered for investigations.
