A brave ouma jumped into the flames to rescue her three-year-old granddaughter.
Nomhle Mkampu saved Ivakele after a fire broke out in their backyard shack in Kringboom Close, Delft South on Monday.
It’s believed the fire was started when an electricity wire broke and fell on the roof just after 4am.
Nomhle says: “I was inside the main house and we wondered why the electricity suddenly went off as my other sister was getting ready for work.
“Before we could check, we heard a bang. We rushed out and there was already a fire on the roof. My son was sleeping with his girlfriend and Ivakele in the shack, they got a fright and ran out to see what was happening.
“The blaze was moving so fast and there was smoke all over the place. We asked where the baby was and that’s when we realised they left her inside and I ran in through the flames to get her.
“Luckily she was covered in blankets and hadn’t inhaled smoke yet.”
Miraculously, the ouma and tot didn’t sustain injuries but Nomhle says the fire is a heavy blow: “This is sad because we are unemployed and we buried my mom last month. We didn't expect to deal with another tragedy so soon. I am drained, my mind isn't even thinking straight."
Jermaine Carelse, City Fire and Rescue spokesman, says the call was received at 5.40am: “The fire was extinguished at 6.18am and the cause is unknown.”
Two men, two women and little Ivakele lost everything.
Anyone who would like to donate food, furniture, clothing or building material can call 062 531 3276.