A 76-year-old woman has died in a fire that engulfed her home in Bonteheuwel in the early hours of Monday morning.
By the time the blaze was put out, the woman had been burnt beyond recognition in her bed where she had been sleeping.
Shocked neighbours were woken up by thick smoke entering their homes shortly after 1am, and they quickly realised the home of Salama Jackson was ablaze.
One of the neighbours claimed Salama’s son had stood outside watching the fire.
“I asked him where his mother was and he said she was sleeping,” the traumatised woman said.
“I sent my sons to go and get her, but the flames were very high and the smoke was too much. I think if they did go after her, they might not have survived.
LOSS: Salama Jackson, 76. Photo: Leon Knipe/African News Agency/ANA
“Her son kept saying we must leave her she is sleeping.”
The neighbour says one of her children drove off and flagged a police van to ask for help.
They came back with emergency services in tow.
But by the time firefighters had put out the fire, Salama was dead.
“When we looked inside, there was a lot of ash where she had been in her bed and also on the floor next to her bed,” the sad neighbour said.
SHOCK: Salama Jackson’s home in Bonteheuwel caught alight in the early hours of yesterday. Photo: Leon Knipe/African News Agency/ANA
The neighbour says Salama’s relatives arrived to find the house gutted.
She says everyone is sad at the old lady’s passing as she was a kind person.
Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, confirmed one fatality and says the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.
PROBE: The cause of fire is unknown. Photo: Leon Knipe/African News Agency/ANA
“The City’s Fire & Rescue Service responded at 1.45am this morning to a dwelling alight in Bonteheuwel Avenue, Bonteheuwel.
“Three firefighting vehicles, a rescue vehicle and 14 staff members were in attendance.
“Firefighting and search and rescue operations ensued simultaneously,” Carelse said.
“The fire was extinguished at 2.45am. One adult female sustained fatal burn wounds. The cause of the fire is unknown.”
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Botsotso George Mjiwu, said no foul play is suspected.
“An inquest docket has been opened for investigation following a fire that occurred early hours of this morning and 76-year-old woman died in this incident. The cause of fire is yet to be determined.”