A mentally disturbed woman and her 12-year-old daughter have been rescued after the mom apparently set their Lotus River home on fire.
Herilitta Frans, 38, her daughter and her uncle Daniel Frans, 61, live in a second-floor flat at Hawthorne Court in Buck Road.
Family spokesperson Pamela Hopley explains: “Apparently Herilitta brought petrol home and set the place alight with her and the child inside.
“People saw the smoke and called for help and we are so grateful as family.
“If it wasn’t for the Fire and Rescue team, it could have been even worse.
“We don’t know if she’s suicidal or it’s her condition that got her out of control.
“This was the worst she’s done and we are scared of what more could happen.
“We are busy trying to find help for her. She’s already on medication and we’ll see what doctors suggests after this.”
Pamela says there were no reports of any arguments prior to the fire, which broke out at noon on Monday.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service’s spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, explains: “The fire occurred on the second floor, with one flat sustaining fire damage and another flat water damage.
“Two persons were inside the flat when the fire crew arrived on scene.
“A primary search was conducted and an adult female was found in a bedroom and rescued.
“While the fire crew were busy assisting the adult female, she left the scene. She suffered from smoke inhalation and burn wounds.”
He said the cause of the fire was unknown.
Pamela appeals to anyone who can assist with donations of clothes, furniture or food to contact her on 082 703 6100.