Nhlabane houses gutted by fire
A KwaMbonambi family is counting the cost after losing everything in a blaze fanned by gale force winds.
FIVE houses were destroyed as a huge forest fire fanned by Monday’s gale force winds raced through the Nhlabane Reserve near KwaMbonambi.
The Mthiyane family is counting the cost after losing everything in the blaze.
Not only did they see their possessions go up in flames, but many who are small timber growers also fear they will be unable to harvest their fire-damaged trees.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer, family member Bhekokwakhe Mthiyane said he was grateful to God for saving his life, even though his house was gutted, causing massive damage.
‘It is clear we are not going to enjoy the festive season here in Nhlabane, as we are going to use the money to rebuild our houses after the strong winds pushed the fire into our house and our forest, which we use for a living,’ he said.
Without shelter and property, the affected families are waiting for assistance from uMfolozi Municipality.
