A three-year-old girl died in a fire that gutted her home at Imizamo Yethu informal settlement in Hout Bay on Monday.
Little Bukani Mqikela was fast asleep, along with three other family members, when the fire broke out next to their bed at about 12am.
According to her grieving aunt, Pamela Mqikela, 32, the victims were woken by the heat and smoke and quickly jumped off the bed.
“The blaze quickly spread and my sister burned trying to save Bukani. She was so helpless and is still not doing well, same as the mother.
“They are in a state and refuse to talk about the incident.
“We miss Bukani already, her bubbly character and laughter still fills our hearts. I am shocked and still in disbelief,” says Pamela.
She says the child’s mom Ziphelele Mqikela suffered burn wounds to her hand and lower body.
The family lost everything and is staying at Pamela’s shack.
Pamela says any help to ease the stress on the family will be appreciated.
They need everything from clothing, bedding, toiletries and food to building material.
She can be contacted on 061 959 5659.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for City Fire and Rescue Service says: “One informal structure was completely destroyed leaving three persons displaced and one minor deceased as a result of fatal burn wounds.
“The fire was extinguished at 12.44am and the cause is unknown."
SAPS’ Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.