Brave man loses life saving family in house fire

LEEUWFONTEIN – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Motetema have opened an inquest docket following a fire that ravaged a house in Leeuwfontein Township outside Marble Hall, resulting in the death of a 28-year-old man.

The 28-year-old Michelle Tladi lost his life while trying to rescue his family members who were with him in the house when the fire broke out on Friday, 19 July evening.

According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, the cause of the fire is yet to be established.

Mother of the deceased, Mahlako Tladi, is recuperating in hospital following the fire and two of Michelle’s siblings aged 9 and 11 are recovering at home after being discharged from hospital.

On Tuesday, 23 July, Sekhukhune District Municipality Executive Mayor, Minah Bahula, dispatched a team of officials, including councillors, to the family to offer condolences and immediate intervention following the ordeal from which the family lost tragically lost Michelle and all their belongings.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Mayor Bahula, the Member of the Mayoral Committee, Mabatane Mathale stated. “The disaster assistance that the district municipality has made available will provide interim relief to the family. We sympathise with them during this dark period. We are doing everything in our power to ensure they receive the necessary support and assistance to overcome this tragedy.” The family was provided with mattresses and blankets among other intervention items.

The municipality promised to continue to assess the situation and provide the necessary aid to the affected family.

The institution further made an appeal to local organizations and individuals to offer additional support and resources.