Devastating Shack caught fire , leaves seven family members homeless

By Kimmie Mikatazo and Mary Mashete

A devastating shack caught with fire has left a family of seven in the Cowboy area of Katima Mulilo completely homeless and without any belongings.

The fire broke-out around 12:00 midday on Sunday, leaving the victims in despair and with little hope as they await emergency assistance.

Ms.Sibeso Mukasa , one of the victims, recounted the painful moment she learned about the fire. She had left home early in the morning to clean her late child’s grave at the local cemetery. On her way back, she encountered her grandchild running towards her with the horrifying news that their home was burning.

“When I got home, the shack was already in flames. People tried to stop me from going inside, but I wanted to save at least my identification documents and maybe a few blankets,” she said.

Sibeso added that “Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it. Everything burned down nothing was saved.”

The family suspects the fire may have started while her grandchild was attempting to charge a phone battery with a multifunctional cellphone charger, which ignited nearby materials , may have sparked the blaze which caused the fire.

.The child reportedly did not inform anyone he was heading to his grandmother’s house alone.Adding to the tragedy, also affected was a woman who had been visiting the family. All her belongings burnt in the house ,including her bags and blankets.

“I left her at home not knowing that her daughter will come to fetch her to go to Liselo ,she was lucky to have taken her identification documents with her”, explained Ms Mukasa.

.She however, shared her heartbreak over the lack of support and the overwhelming feeling of loss. “Right now, I have completely nothing. No food, no clothes, not even a blanket to cover myself at night. I’m out of thoughts. Life is really heavy for me,” she said, holding back tears.

Although no official aid has been provided yet, community members have promised to assist starting Monday, when most local offices resume operations.As of now, the affected family remains stranded and in urgent need of humanitarian help.

The fire highlights the vulnerability of informal settlements and the pressing need for improved emergency response and fire safety awareness in such areas.

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