The Hlophe family, from KwaNyuswa, Hillcrest, suffered a devastating loss when their home was destroyed by fire. The fire not only destroyed their house to ashes but also claimed the life of their 22-year old son, Sandile Hlophe.
The tragic incident occured around the hours of 23h00. Mcebisi Michel Hlophe, the father, was awaked by the difficulty breathing due to the thick smoke filling the house. Realising there was a fire, he immedietly thought of his son, Sandile, who had arrived home late that night. Sandile had greeted his father before going straight to bed.
Upon hearing Sandile cry for help, Mcebisi Michel Hlophe, tried to reach his son’s room but he was forced back by the high strong flames of fire, that covered the whole house. Desparately, he ran to the nearest neighbors to ask for help, dispite that he may possibly already lost his son’s life.
After the firefighters were called to the scene, they arrived in 3-to-4 hours after the incident, by then it was too late. The fire had already consumed the whole house and Sandile’s body was found burned beyond recognition. The late response of the firefighters has added to the grief of the Hlophe family, who not only lost their home but also their beloved son.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the Hlophe family recieved support from the local police station in Hillcrest and Youth Crime Prevention Desk-KZN. They provided the family with the essential items, such as the dishes and clothes to wear, to help the family rebuild their lives.
The Hlophe family is deeply hurt by the loss of their home and the tragic death of their son, Sandile Hlophe. The experience reminds and underscores the critical importance of timely emergency responses and the essential role that the community support plays during crises and emergencies when timely interventions can make difference.