On Monday, Makana Municipality paid a visit to Xola Msindo, boyfriend to Nomakhaya Mahlaza, who burnt to
death on Sunday after her shack caught fire when she was cooking on a primus stove.
On Monday, Makana Municipality paid a visit to Xola Msindo, boyfriend to Nomakhaya Mahlaza, who burnt to
death on Sunday after her shack caught fire when she was cooking on a primus stove.
Makana spokesperson Thandy Matebese, on behalf of the Municipality, conveyed condolences to Msindo for his loss.
Matebese said Makana Mayor Vumile Lwana was in a meeting, but would visit Mahlaza’s family later. Msindo was taking down the structure of the burnt shack so he could start rebuilding it.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Sherolene Williams previously reported that Msindo woke up when he saw the flames and went out to draw water to kill the blaze.
The deceased was trying to save her belongings when she burnt inside the shack. The residents said that public taps in the area between Joza and Daniel streets have been dry since 2008.
Matebese was accompanied by Makana Fire Department’s Station Commander, Vuyokazi Sam and Platoon Commander Robert Brooks, as well as Community Development Worker Nomalungisa Dimaza.
They offered bags of groceries and bedding to Msindo as a gesture from the Municipality. “The Municipality does not have a budget for this, but the Fire Department and Municipality tried to find a way so we can show you that we sympathise with you,” said Matebese.
Msindo was touched by this action and said he was happy and grateful for the goods. Msindo said that the shack would not have burnt down if there was a nearby water supply.
“What frustrates me the most is that I have no place to stay. But nonetheless, I am trying to cope,” he said. Msindo said he is appealing for help, as the occasional gardening work he does would not allow him to build another shack quickly.
