A FAMILY from Silverglen, Chatsworth, will be laying their beloved members to rest on Sunday after a devastating house fire in December claimed the lives of three relatives.
The delay in DNA testing, a painful wait for the grieving family, has been concluded, allowing the funeral arrangements for Maya Veerappen, 91, a retired teacher and community activist, his bedridden wife Kogie Veerappen, 89, and their son Niren, to proceed.
The Sunday Tribune last year reported that Nkulumo Dube, Division Commander of the Durban Fire Department confirmed that a home on Dawnview Road caught alight and killed three people, around 10pm.
Firefighters found three bodies in three separate bedrooms after the fire had been contained. The family’s dog who was present at the time of the incident also died due to what is believed to be smoke inhalation.
Dube said a local security company had responded to a panic alert at the home around 9pm, and the officer made contact with an elderly male who was cooking food and all appeared to be well.
The security official got an all clear from the home owner, after returning to inspect at the same address once again a few minutes later.
Dube said that the official was contacted again and informed that the house was on fire, and then he alerted the fire department.
Prithie Veerappen, 51, the wife of the late Niren Veerappen said that being able to finally lay their loved ones to rest would give the family closure.
“It is very sad but we will be more relieved knowing that everything has come through.
“It will be exactly two months since their passing. Their souls can rest in peace,” she said.
Prithie said that it had been a difficult period for them.
“But with the family’s support we pulled through. My son is also studying now and he has tried to cope,” said Prithie.
She described her in-laws as people who were very warm, loving and caring and Niren as a wonderful person, and a good father to their 23-year-old son Dhasheyan.
“We were married for 23 years and we had one child and I feel very sad for my son because he had a wonderful dad, but now he has to go on with his life without a father,” said Prithie.
She said that the time frame taken to test for the DNA samples was an emotionally taxing process as there were hiccups in between, including receiving the wrong samples at some point, adding that the cause of the fire was inconclusive.
Colonel Robert Netshuinda, police spokesperson confirmed the incident.
