A primary schoolgirl has died along with her parents in a fire that started after the power came back on following load shedding in the early hours of Monday morning.
Little Mishka, eight, her mom Velmarie, 38, and her father Marius Julies, 37, died while her 15-year-old sister Zuanita survived.
The family were in their Amelia Street home in Groeneheuwel, Paarl, when the fire broke out just after midnight on Monday.
Zuanita managed to wiggle out of a small window but the rest of the family could not escape.
Dalweide Primary Deputy Principal Allison Naidoo says Mishka was in Grade 3.
“We heard that morning that after midnight, when the power came back on, the fire started,” says Naidoo.
“Zuanita managed to get out and she tried to get her little sister out.”
Mishka’s eldest sister Tamryn says she received a call from shocked relatives minutes after the Wendy house went up in flames.
“I live in Strand with my grandmother and when I got the call, the people told me that they could only see Zuanita and not my parents and little sister.
“They said the smoke was too much for anyone to see. When I arrived in Paarl, I found out that my parents and sister had passed on and that my sister was in Paarl Hospital,” says a hartseer Tamryn.”
On Tuesday Mishka’s classmates were offered counselling.
“We arranged for someone from the district office to come and speak to the children,” says Naidoo.
“Her empty desk had flowers placed on it. We will have a memorial service for her next week.
“This is such a sad incident because her mother had been part of the school governing body.
“Velmarie was also a community worker, she was involved in projects which kept the children off the streets.
“This is such a great loss to our community and our school. Mishka had a bright future.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg says Paarl East Police are investigating the deaths.
“An inquest case docket was opened for investigation. Anyone with any information about this incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
Meanwhile, Marius’ brother Hilton Julies, 33, would like to appeal for any financial assistance towards the rebuilding of the Wendy house.
“We also need clothes for Zuanita who is in hospital and also for the funeral. If anyone can help us, please contact me on 081 411 7610,” he says.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za