A devoted dad, who recently qualified as a nurse, died trying to save his son from a burning house in Lentegeur.
When the fire broke out in their Cornflower Street home, Alfonzo Jones, 53, broke a window and got his wife and granddaughter to safety by leaping to the ground floor.
He went back into the house to rescue his son Rowan, 25, but they both inhaled a lot of smoke.
Tragically, both were declared dead on the scene in the early hours of Thursday, around 1am.
His other son Alrenzo, 30, says their family dog also perished in the blaze.
The family of six was sleeping in their Mitchells Plain home when they were woken up by the flames.
Alrenzo says: “I was at my place in Portlands when I got the call around 1am and when I arrived, I found that everything was burnt.
“My mom was in hospital, her feet burnt when she was running out of her room which is upstairs. She had to step on hot iron sheets to get to the ground.
“My brother’s girlfriend was sleeping in the garage and she suffered burn wounds to her back.”
The devastated son says his father was a role model.
“He recently graduated from a nursing school,” says Alrenzo.
“He said he wanted to show people anything is possible and he made his dream come true.
“He was such a kind and loving father, he died saving my brother who was trapped in the house.”
Alrenzo says his father and brother’s remains were found on the couch.
Alrenzo tells Daily Voice the family was still mourning his uncle who passed on Sunday.
“He died in his sleep, we were focusing on that funeral,” he adds.
City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse says: “Mitchells Plains fire crew were first on scene and were confronted with a dwelling alight and persons reported inside.
“Firefighting and search and rescue operations ensued immediately.
“A man and a young man sustained fatal burn wounds whilst three females sustained burn wounds to the face, body and feet.
“The fire was extinguished at 2.51am.”
To assist the family, call Ivan Jones on 072 535 7361.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za