A 68-year-old ouma and seven other relatives say they are lucky to be alive after their home was mysteriously petrol-bombed while they slept.
The Mitchells Plain family believes arsonists flung a blikkie with petrol in it onto the roof of their garage in Alberton Close in Portland.
The fire burnt the garage and destroyed vehicles and also damaged the kitchen and lounge.
Thanks to the quick response of the local fire department, the blaze was contained before it could do more damage.
Gadija Cariem says she woke up to screams and a car hooting outside before she realised her house was on fire.
Ouma's home petrol-bomed while she was sleeping. Picture: Jack Lestrade
“It was just before Fajr (sunrise prayers) on Monday morning when I heard someone hooting outside,” says Gadija.
“The driver had apparently banged on our gate and when we didn’t wake up, he ran to the neighbour to get help. They told us our home is burning.
“I heard my eldest son, aged 42, screaming and I thought it was maybe gangsters inside the house. Then I saw the garage and two cars burning.”
The sickly pensioner says someone had flung a blikkie vol
petrol onto the garage.
“It could be heard rolling by my son and we gave the blikkie to the police,” she says.
“I have had three heart operations and I am too old for all of this.
“My one son burnt part of his arm and didn’t want medical attention.”
The traumatised woman, who had to be treated for smoke inhalation, says her four-year-old twin grandchildren managed to flee to safety and were unharmed.
DAMAGE: Vehicles destroyed in fire. Picture: Jack Lestrade
She says they have no idea why their house was targeted.
“We do not know why anyone would do this to us. We are heartbroken that they could do this to us. We just thank Allah that everyone is OK.”
Next door neighbour, Abie Abrahams, 74, says he is devastated after the fire swept over to his verandah and burnt his sunroom.
Abie managed to get his car to safety but says the fire is going to cost him.
“I am trying to assess the damage as I do not have insurance and I’m a pensioner,” he adds.
AFFECTED: Abie Abrahams’ verandah and sunroof damaged
Police spokesperson, Mihali Majikela, says they are investigating a case of arson.
“No persons were reported to be injured and at this stage of the investigation, no arrests have been made.”
Anyone with information about the incident is requested to contact Detective Constable Dyamani of Mitchells Plain police at 021 370 1782 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.