A week after a disastrous fire in St Montague Village, Lavender Hill, the victims are pointing fingers at "drug addicts" at a neighbouring house.
However, the fire department has not found the cause of the blaze.
Fire services spokesperson Edward Bosch said they received a distress call shortly after midnight on Monday February 24.
Three wood and iron shacks were destroyed and three formal dwellings partially damaged. “Two persons were displaced and accounted for," said Mr Bosch.
Fire1 Two shacks were destroyed in the blaze.
Image: Picture: Supplied
The fire victims said this was the third fire after two incidents last year.
Doney Goliath said the fire started at his aunt and cousin's Wendy house in their backyard at around 11.55pm. “They didn’t have access to water so it affected her whole place and she lost everything.”
Fire2 The fire spread quickly from one dwelling to the next, say fire victims.
Image: Picture: Supplied
The fire then spread to the formal house. “The fire destroyed my room and toilet windows and caused a lot of cracks in the roof. We are going to have a lot of problems in winter. The carport also burnt halfway.”
Her cousin Herschell Goliat said the fire has affected his family tremendously.
"It took our house about 10 minutes to burn down to ashes. We are so sad due to the loss but we are just remaining thankful that our lives have not been taken. The fire has brought so much trauma. We have always been cautious knowing that we live in a house that could catch alight. We are truly affected by this. Not even words can describe the pain, heartbreak and devastation we are currently living.
"It was the most horrible experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone.”
Fire3 A wendy house was situated on this property and these residents suffered the biggest loss.
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Herschell said he attends college and his mother Lenie is a pensioner. "What we've lost in the fire was everything, all we have is the memories, the place burnt from the roof to the floor - from kitchen, lounge, personal documents, toilet - everything burnt to ashes the entire bungalow.
‘I lost my ID, matric certificate and what my mother worked for her entire life was taken in a split second. Our entire kitchen needs replacements from a pot to an oven, fridge. We also need beds, cupboards, sheets, everything a room needs, the same with the toilet, as well as detergents. It's definitely going to take time for me to support my mother to see her happy and content with what needs to be purchased in the house, so any donations will be appreciated.”
Fire4 The rubble after the fire.
Image: Picture: Supplied
Sandy Bowers said her ordeal had been just as traumatic as her neighbours. “When we woke up the fire was already on us. Everything burnt out including our cupboards, beds, our kitchen cupboards as well as the children’s school clothes. I had to buy new school clothes with the little money I had left.”
Ms Bowers appealed for a bedroom cupboard and a bed or even just a mattress.
Clive Jacobs, community leader of Lavender Hill, said: “Rebuilding is hard as you need to start from scratch. The City officials were not even out to console fire victims. This family is not clued up with information and rely on us as community activists. I personally emailed the City regarding the fire and was told they will revert back.”
Ralph Bouwers, another community leader, said: “There had been lots of fires and Sandy’s house was burnt down for the second time.”
Mr Bouwers said the victims' plight had been shared on social media and they are awaiting assistance from the authorities. “These people are on the housing waiting list for 15 to 20 years and none of the authorities have come forward to help these families after we emailed them.”
If anyone would like to donate household items and clothing contact Mr Goliath at 064 877 5429, Ms Goliath at 060 395 1770 and Ms Bowers at 072 842 9966.
Residents should phone the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.