Tears of disbelief flowed in Bonteheuwel when a friendly shop owner was declared dead after a fire ripped through his huiswinkel during the early hours yesterday, with him trapped inside.
Shocked residents gathered in Elder Street as the charred remains of Axmad Faraqajan, 38, was removed from the dwelling where he ran his shop for two years.
His friend Raees Xaaji, 31, says he watched in horror as the body was discovered behind the door; it appeared Faraqajan had struggled to escape the fire.
Fire and Rescue Services Spokesperson Edward Bosch says they received the call for help at 5am and two fire engines, two water tankers and a rescue unit were sent to the scene.
“Firefighters found two wood and iron structures on the property in front of the main house – one of the structures, used as living quarters, was gutted in the fire and there was slight smoke damage to the main dwelling. One adult male sustained fatal burn wounds,” he said.
“The blaze was extinguished at 5.30am and six persons were displaced as a result of the fire.
“The cause of the fire is unknown.”
Xaaji says when he arrived, the fire had already been extinguished and he went closer to see what had happened to the father from Somalia.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw his body. He comes from Mogadishu and we came here together two years ago,” he says.
“He has been running this shop to support his wife and child in Mogadishu.
“I am very shocked and I will miss him. Even seeing all the neighbours who came out.”
The homeowner declined to comment.
Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie says it is unclear where on the property the fire originated, but says the main house was also affected by the blaze.
“The fire affected the two informal dwellings, but also the main house which is privately owned,” he said.
At this stage it is unclear what caused fire.
“Anyone who would like to make donations to the affected family can drop the items at the sub-council office or directly at the house.”