A family from Tafelsig has been left destitute after their home went up in flames unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon.
Homeowner Venetia Paulse, 69, said the fire started around 1pm and she and her family of five only managed to escape with the clothes on their back.
She explains: “I suspect the fire was caused by an electric because we just saw the light coming from the plug in the room.
"We had a three-bedroom house and I was in my room, my son came in and said ‘mummy it is burning’ when we opened the door, we just saw smoke.
"I told everyone to just leave the house as the fire had already started. I am not even sure where we are going to lay our heads because we have nowhere to go and lost everything in the fire.
"All we have are the clothes on our backs, ons het niks. My granddaughter is also six-months pregnant, my other child lived in the backyard with his wife and their place also burned down.
"Luckily, they found an old green ID book of me in the house while cleaning, so that will help a bit.
"I am grateful that we made it out safely and nobody got hurt. My children are distraught, they are all crying but I think I am still in shock, it hasn’t sunk in yet that my whole life and everything we built over the years is just gone. Dit kan nog nie by my vat nie.”
The family is appealing for any assistance with clothing, food or any form of donation to help them get back on their feet.
“We would appreciate anything, nothing is too big or small. Enige iets sal help.”
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service confirmed the incident and said the cause of fire is yet unknown.
Carelse reports: “The emergency call was received at around 1.40pm of a dwelling alight in Keerombergs Street, in Tafelsig, on Wednesday 23 April. Crews from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha were on scene.
"The dwelling and a Wendy house were completely destroyed. The adjacent dwelling sustained damages to the roof and walls only.
"A total of five persons were displaced and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.”
The family consists of 69-year-old Venecia, three females aged 24, 25 and 4 years and a 26-year-old male.
If anyone would like to assist with any donations or sponsorships, please contact 061 816 2072.