An oupa, who was the heart of his community, collapsed and died moments after he had doused a fire at a neighbour’s home in which one person died.
Moosa Gabriels, 54, had climbed onto the roof of his home in Miranda Street, Lost City, Mitchells Plain, using water to put out the flames just after 2am on Friday.
Haron Laye, 47, who had been safeguarding his friend’s bakkie in the backyard, burnt to death.
BURNT TO DEATH: Haron Laye. Picture supplied
He was found lying outside of the burnt vehicle.
On Friday, Moosa’s grieving widow, Akieda Gabriels, 53, and daughter, Shameega Gabriels, 33, told of his final moments.
Moosa, who had six children, was a plumber and his business partner was his son, Shameeg, 22.
The family had woken to screams and flames coming from their neighbour’s backyard.
“He got onto the roof to kill the flames. He had just celebrated his birthday on 5 November [on] Guy Fawkes,” explains Shameega.
“Most of the flames were gone.”
Shameega says her father began carrying their valuables out of their home in the fear that the fire would spread.
RAZED: Bakkie and property in Lost City damaged in a fire. Picture Jack Lestrade
Suddenly, Moosa collapsed to the ground, hitting his head.
His son, Shameeg, rushed him to hospital.
Sadly, Moosa died in his son’s arms on their way to the hospital.
“We don’t know if he inhaled too much smoke but they said there was blood on the brain, a haemorrhage,” she explains.
“We will know more once the post-mortem is done.”
Shameega says their family and the community have lost a true gem, who even in death tried to help everyone: “He was the heart of this family and community.
STAATMAKER: Moosa Gabriels, 54, died after dousing flames of his neighbour’s house in Lost City in M.Plain.
“He was a fisherman also and he would share his fish with everyone.
“If anyone needed anything, he was there.”
The Daily Voice spoke to the owner of the house which was damaged in the fire.
“Haron was looking after my husband’s bakkie as it was broken and was sleeping in there,” says the woman.
“My husband is taking this very badly.
“When they found him, he was lying outside the bakkie.”
The City’s Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, explains: “On arrival, it was found to be an informal structure and a vehicle alight on the premises.
“One adult male was transported to hospital prior to the Fire Service [arriving]. The body of an adult male was discovered amongst the debris of the structure.
“The fire was extinguished at 3.36am and the scene was handed over to SAPS.”
Pictures: Jack Lestrade and supplied
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, says inquest dockets have been opened: “According to information, fire occurred at a residence and damaged two dwellings. Two people, aged 47 and 54, died due to their injuries.”
Shameega says the family needs to repair damage to their home and have also lost furniture in the fire.
The back section of their home and roof, including a wooden structure, burnt.