By JN Reporter

Following a devastating fire that brought the Jansen family to their knees over the weekend, the unemployed mother is urgently seeking help from the community. 
 
A 46-year-old Suretha Jansen from Heidedal location in Bloemfontein told Journal News that they have lost all their belongings in the fire. 
 
The devastating fire broke out around 8pm on Saturday and quickly burnt down the shack where the family kept all their belongings. 
 
According to Jansen, she and her two kids - aged 10 and 14 - were not at home when the fire started.
 
“My husband was alone in the house and decided to quickly go to the nearby shop, leaving the candle burning. On his return, he found the shack covered by a huge inferno, which burnt all our belongings, including my children’s schoolbooks and uniform.
 
“All I am left with is the Identity Document (ID), which was not in the house at the time, but my husband and kids have lost everything,” said Jansen.
 
“My heart is broken, and I don’t know what to do… Everything was burnt to ashes. We have lost everything. We have no place to call home anymore, and for the past few days, we have been squatting at my aunt’s place,” said Jansen. 
 
She said they are pleading for assistance from the community to help them rebuild their lives.
 
“We are in need of food, clothes, blankets, and toiletries. I am not working and my husband is recovering from his injuries sustained during a car accident late last year. We are only surviving with our children’s support grant and assistance from community members after helping them with their laundry,” she pleaded.
 
Contact our offices if you are willing to assist: 051 430 0129.