MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A fire claimed the lives of three people in Asla Park on 26 May. Services were held last week for two brothers, Sipho (Oyama) Mgodlo (16) and Mawanda Mgodlo (19), and Aphiwe Jessica Gcasamba (26), the victims of the shack fire.
Their funerals will be held in the Eastern Cape respectively.
Aphiwe's father, Nonwabisi, and the Mgodlo brothers' mother's aunt, Miriam Marenene, spoke to Mossel Bay Advertiser last week at the scene of the fire. They said the three victims were friends and slept in the same area, separate from their other family members.
"We didn't notice there was something wrong there, because we were sleeping," said Marenene.
When asked about the cause of the fire Nonwabisi said the three were not cooking in the area or anything like that, as it was just a place for sleeping.
"That is the problem. No one knows what happened."
They would often sit there and play music and just sleep there. "We don't know where the fire came from. We just know they were sleeping."
The families suspect there might have been foul play involved.
Aphiwe leaves behind her son who is only three years old. Her father said the family would be taking care of him now.
According to a police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, police had responded to the shack fire in Sixaxeni Street, at 03:50 that morning.
"On arrival, other emergency services including the fire brigade, were already on the scene. After the blaze was under control, three bodies were found under the burned rubble, said to be residents at the address."
The KwaNonqaba Police have opened an inquest into the deaths. Warrant Officer Geoffrey Moos is the investigating officer (044 606 5631 or 044 606 5606).
Mayor Dirk Kotzé and councillor Niklaas Booisen, the portfolio chairperson for community services, also visited the families on Tuesday.
They sat with the families to understand what had happened, say a short prayer and understand where the families still needed further assistance.
"We have asked the Directorate of Community Services to send a skip to assist with the rubble from the fire," Booisen said.
"We are also advising the family on the process to obtain a report on the accident as well as a starter pack (basic housing materials) to assist in the process of getting back on their feet."
The mayor said, "It is tragic when lives are lost and, as we approach Youth Month it is a grievous loss for our community when young people who are still full of hope and have so many years ahead of them, lose their lives.
"On behalf of the council of Mossel Bay Municipality I extend my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of the deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Loss is never easy and the community of Mossel Bay will stand with you during this difficult time."
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