By Anita Dangazele
- A fight between a couple in the middle of the night leads to a fire that destroys wooden structures inside an abandoned Butterworth High School hostel.
- 52 families left homeless after woman threatens to burn down home during argument, with couple fleeing the scene.
A fight between a couple in the middle of the night ended in disaster for dozens of families in Butterworth.
A total of 52 families were left homeless on Sunday when a fire tore through wooden structures inside an abandoned school hostel in the town’s central business district.
Mnquma Municipality spokesperson Loyiso Mpalantshane said the fire had started in the home of a couple who were fighting, with the woman threatening to burn it down.
“A case of arson was opened and the police are now investigating. The couple fled after the incident happened between 2am and 3am. There were no injuries or deaths,” he said.
The old hostel had once housed pupils from Butterworth High School.
Some of the victims have been moved to the Cuba Community Hall, where they joined 20 other residents who lost their homes in the June floods. Another group of 41 flood victims, including children, are staying at Lilly Guest House.
Mpalantshane said the Department of Human Settlements was paying for the emergency care, which included meals, blankets, mattresses, clothing, toys and medical help.
“From day one, the flood victims have been provided with hot meals three times daily, blankets, mattresses, clothing, toys for children and medical and counselling services,” he said.
“This has been a joint effort by Sassa, non-government organisations, businesses, the religious sector and private donors. The fire victims have also benefited from all this.”
The municipality has identified land about 1.5 kilometres from the town centre and plans to move the victims there before the end of the month.
But Mpalantshane admitted it has been a challenge. “Some residents have resisted where victims will be relocated, citing their concerns about a surge in crime. Other challenges were about outsiders joining the queue for food and other supplies.”
Abongile Dudumayo, one of the victims now staying in the community hall, said she lost everything.
“I have been in the Molo Hostel for 15 years. It was my children’s home,” she said. “Though the fire was started by the couple, it was worsened by the illegal electricity connections, because when the fire reached the cables, it became worse.”
She said she was ready to move wherever the municipality placed her, as long as it was safe.
In June, floods in Butterworth destroyed homes in the Skiet, Mission Village and Zizamele informal settlements. Water treatment works were also knocked out. Mercedes-Benz South Africa donated R800,000 to Gift of the Givers to help victims with food and hygiene packs.
Pictured above: Fire damage at the abandoned school hostel in Butterworth.
Image source: Supplied
