Online Reporter
Bokang Tlou , [email protected]
A 104-YEAR-OLD woman, Mrs Maria Hadebe, lost all her belongings in a devastating fire caused by a candle left burning in her home on Tuesday night.
The fire occurred at her residence in Emakhandeni after Mrs Hadebe lit the candle during a power outage.
Unfortunately, the unattended candle burned down completely, causing melted wax to spill onto nearby blankets and igniting flames that rapidly spread throughout her two-roomed home, consuming all her possessions.
Although the house itself was not destroyed, everything inside was burned. Fortunately, neighbours rushed to her rescue before the flames could cause her physical harm.
Contacted for comment, Bulawayo chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo revealed that property worth ZWG26 910 was lost in the fire.
“Brigade used one high-pressure hose reel with breathing apparatus stage one, to contain the fire. Mrs Hadebe inhaled smoke and was conveyed to the hospital by brigade ambulance. Estimated value of property: ZWG403 650 and estimated value of property lost was ZWG26 910.
“The suspected cause of the fire was a lit candle left unattended. We are making efforts with the Civil Protection Unit team and the Councillor of the area, Councillor Suzan Sithole, to mobilise resources that include blankets, bedding material, and utensils. The situation needs assistance as the old lady looks like she does not have relatives and is staying alone,” said Mr Moyo.
A Chronicle news crew managed to catch up with Mrs Hadebe at her hospital bed in Mpilo, where she is being treated for pneumonia.
She said that while she had lost all her belongings, she was grateful that she was left unharmed by the fire.
“I thank God for sparing my life. I have nothing left now. I kindly ask for any help people can give. It is surprising how one can lose everything in just one go. All this was caused by a candle. I am, however, grateful that the house was not burnt down, how would I have rebuilt it?” she said.
The centenarian, who is a devout Roman Catholic, revealed that she now has one surviving child who is based in South Africa.
“I gave birth to seven children, but only one, who resides in South Africa, is still alive. The other six have passed away, leaving behind grandchildren. I, however, stay alone, cared for by compassionate neighbours and church women from my congregation,” she revealed.
Neighbours interviewed described Mrs Hadebe as a God-fearing woman, whose secret to a long life was kindness.
“She is a strong, God-fearing woman,” said Mrs Isabel Dube. “I feel pity for her. She’s gone through so much. I hope people can help with groceries, clothes, or anything they can offer.”
“She’s like a mother to us. She is the one who comforts and counsels us when we’re facing problems.”
Another neighbour, Mrs Daisy Saungweme, who has known Mrs. Hadebe for 15 years, said she has since taken Mrs Hadebe into her home while they try to raise funds to replace the items that were burnt down at her house.
“We started going to church together in Entumbane before we moved to Emakhandeni. She always calls everyone ‘ngane yami’, which means ‘my child.’ That name gives us a sense of warmth and motherly love.
“After the fire, I took her into my home so she wouldn’t be alone after everything was destroyed,” she said.
