Cape Town - A Delft pensioner has been left traumatised after losing his wife and grandchild in a fire on Thursday.
Stephanus Victor, 69, was left with burn marks on his face as he tried to break down a door to save his wife, Kristina, and four-year-old grandson Juandre Maree.
Stephanus has been forced to seek shelter at a friend’s home after his house was gutted in the blaze.
Speaking to the Cape Argus, he said the tragic deaths come just a year after Juandre’s mother, also named Kristina, died of brain cancer.
“We have been looking after him (Juandre) all this time and on the day the fire broke out I wasn’t home. I went to Belhar to buy food for the family. As I arrived at home I saw the smoke everywhere and heard my wife shout (that) she can’t find the keys.
“They were trapped inside and then I stopped hearing her. I tried to break down the door but it didn’t budge and that’s how I got burnt,” said the sobbing pensioner.
Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said they received the call for help at approximately 11.10am on Thursday.
“En route it was reported that two persons, a woman and a baby, were trapped inside. When the crew from Belhar arrived on scene, they simultaneously started with search and rescue operations as well as fighting the fire. By 12pm the bodies of an elderly female and a male minor were found, with fatal burn wounds.
“A man was transported to hospital for medical treatment. The fire was extinguished at 12.10pm. It completely destroyed the dwelling. The cause is yet to be confirmed pending an investigation by the South African Police Service,” he said.
Stephanus said since the incident he has been dealt another blow as he cannot bury his loved ones without DNA tests.
“My eldest son and I are sleeping at a friend’s house because we have nowhere to go. We have been living in Delft for 13 years now and we left with just the clothes on our backs.
“I really want to bury my wife and grandson but we were told we need to pay for private DNA tests or wait up to six months for the state to do the tests. Right now we are really struggling and grieving. Any help will be appreciated.”
If you would like to assist Stephanus call 0624751132.