Snl24 | Hero collapses trying to save brother

Households and livestock were damaged by raging fires in parts of KZN.

THE ongoing raging fire in the northern part of KZN has claimed the life of a pensioner while his brother is fighting for his life at a hospital in Eshowe.

It is reported that when Muntukabongwa Gazu (67) saw that the fire was coming closer to their houses, he rushed out of the house, but remembered that his ID was still a rondavel.

So, he rushed back in to try to save it, but he was trapped in the flames.

When his brother Dadeni (69) realised that his brother was struggling to get out, he rushed into the house to try to save hm, but failed as it was already late. He then rushed outside where he collapsed while his brother was trapped in the flames.

Dadeni survived with third-degree burns and was rushed to Nkandla Hospital where he is fighting for his life.

Lungile Mlotshwa, a Gazu relative, could not speak to the media and asked for space to process what had happened.

The fire started in the veld on Sunday afternoon, 7 July and was made worse by strong winds.

According to uMlalazi Mayor Queen Xulu, the horrific fire has tormented 13 wards, burning down more than 80 households, killing livestock and destroying cars.

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Xulu has expressed profound sadness and extended heartfelt condolences to the Gazu family. She promised to support the family.

She also noted that this tragic incident comes exactly a month after a tornado wreaked havoc in a number of wards, leaving locals without shelter and food.

“The tornado also claimed the life of a pensioner, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly people in our communities. It is essential that we all do our best to look after and care for our senior citizens. This cannot solely be the work of the government, but must be the collective effort of the entire community,” said Xulu.

Other affected areas include Nkandla, uMtshezi, Utretch and Mtubatuba. Relevant departments are still assessing the damage in these areas.

Eskom alerted residents that some of their power lines were also damaged, but they are working towards fixing the damaged infrastructure.

Their notice read: “Several structures fell leading to multiple faults in KZN due to the windstorm that swept through the province. Teams are working to restore power as quickly as possible. Eskom apologises for the inconvenience caused.”

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