Three families have been left homeless after they lost their houses and all their possessions in a devastating fire.
Three Wendy houses were gutted in the blaze on Tuesday morning in Apollo street, Sarepta in Kuils River.
One resident says when the fire broke out just before 6am she was so panicked that she ran outside in just her panty.
Judy Oliver, 33, tells the Daily Voice: “I always sleep in very little clothing, and I was only wearing a panty when the flames overcame us.”
Another resident gave her a gown to cover herself.
The owner of the property on which the Wendy houses are located, Koos Swarts, 64, says he risked his own life trying to save his tenants.
INJURY: Koos Swarts treated by Roxelle
“I ran outside to warn the people in the Wendy houses and when I opened the one door the flames hit me in the face and I burnt my shoulder.”
Mom of three, Adel Kruger, 45, says they have lost everything, but is thankful that no one died.
“We don’t know how the fire started.”
Nurse Roxelle Makamle, 26, who lives in one of the destroyed Wendy houses has appealed for help for them all.
Anyone who would like to assist can call Koos Swarts on 065 665 6938 or Roxelle Makamle on 064 339 5924.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, says: “The Fire and Rescue Service received the call at 05:47. Two fire engines, one water tanker and a rescue vehicle with 14 staff members were dispatched and the fire was extinguished at 07:23.
“Three informal structures were damaged and 11 persons displaced. There were no fatalities and the cause of the fire is unknown.”