A daycare in Delft has burnt to the ground after a man allegedly set fire to the structure which is attached to the owner’s house.
Janet’s Educare, which takes care of 26 children daily, was completely destroyed along with all the equipment in the blaze early on Monday morning.
Children arrived to find their daycare in ruins as the owner Janet Louw, 59, searched through the rubble to see if anything could be salvaged.
Janet says she has had the daycare on her property for more than nine years and is heartbroken that someone would aspris set fire to something that served the community.
Just after 1am on Monday, Janet was woken up by her neighbour, who was screaming that a man (known in the community) was busy setting the crèche on fire.
HEARTBROKEN: Owner Janet Louw. Photo: Supplied
“I woke up and ran out of my house, but then the windows burst and there was too much smoke to try and go into the building,” she says.
“We used the fire extinguishers, but the fire was already too big.
“Neighbours in the area came with water and sand to try and put out the flames, but we could not douse the fire.
“The entire building was destroyed along with all our equipment, the children’s beds and bedding, the cupboards with our stationery, our office and files - everything gone.”
She has opened a case of arson at Delft Police Station.
“We are now trying to figure out what to do. We are closed for now and my two teachers, 26 children and their parents are the ones who are suffering,” says Janet.
DAMAGE: Daycare, which cares for 26 children, is closed. Photo: Supplied
“I started my daycare to serve the community and because I love children and this is unacceptable.”
Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse says the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
“Disaster Risk Management established that five informal structures were destroyed by the fire. The cause of the fire is undetermined and one adult male sustained lacerations to the arms and was taken to hospital by private transport.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said a case of arson was reported after Wendy houses were set alight in Brandlelie Street, Roosendal.
“On Monday, 1 April at approximately 2 am, a bundle of clothing was set alight and two structures also caught fire,” he says.
“It is alleged that the witness saw a known person in the yard but did not witness the suspect set the place alight.
“Delft police registered a case of arson.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact SAPS Delft at 021 954 9011.
If you would like to assist the crèche, please call Janet Louw on 078 166 1590.