A Hanover Park man has been hailed a hero after he risked his life to save his four-year-old nephew as their family home went up in flames on Tuesday.
However, the boy’s aunt was not so lucky and passed away from her injuries.
Sarah Cloete, 59, sustained burn wounds on 45% of her body, her distraught family confirmed.
Meanwhile, little Mujaid Coghlan is recovering at Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
His uncle Mark Coghlan, 38, says he was prepared to die to save Mujaid, after the little boy passed out as thick clouds of smoke filled their home in Athburg Walk.
Mujaid Coghlan is recovering at Red Cross Children’s Hospital. Picture supplied
Mark says shortly before 5pm, he was visiting a friend when a neighbour ran to him saying their home was on fire.
“My eerste gedagte was, waar is Mujaid?” says Mark.
“The flames were everywhere but I just ran into the burning house looking for my nephew.
“Everyone was shouting and all the neighbours helped trying to douse the flames.”
Mark says he searched the home but had to run out after a few minutes as he had inhaled too much smoke.
Mark was visiting a friend when a neighbour ran to him saying their home was on fire. Picture: Monique Duval
“My bors kon dit nie meer vat nie,” he says.
“I came outside to get a sweater which I dunked in the water and then I put it over my face and mouth and I ran back in.
“I saw they did that on TV. I found Mujaid lying unconscious next to the bed.
“I grabbed him and brought him out, his face was burnt,” says Mark.
He says neighbours rushed Mujaid and Sarah to the Heideveld Day Hospital.
From there they transported Sarah to Tygerberg Hospital while Mujaid was taken to the Red Cross.
“I was ready to lay down my life for that child, I love him very much,” he says.
“We are not certain how the fire started.”
The cause of the H.Park home’s fire is undetermined
Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, says firefighters responded at 5pm.
“Three firefighting vehicles with 14 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
“The fire was extinguished prior to arrival and the brigade ensured that the area was safe. The cause is undetermined.”
The family is now appealing for donations to help them rebuild.
If you would like to help, call 079 464 2812.