Last Wednesday, the first incident which was reported, was of the Johnston family in Elandskraal (Sedgefield) who perished in the raging forest fires while fleeing for safety from their small-holding. Tony Johnston (34), Mandy (33) and their son Michael (3) were found by members of the the Attaqau K-9 Dog Unit at around 11:50, approximately 50 meters from their home after being engulfed in flames. Adding to the devastation was the fact that the family died on the sons third birthday.
The following day, at around 09:00, the police found the body of a four-year-old Catherine Matope next to a dam at Narnia Village, Welbedacht.
On that same day, Matope’s mother was found by a security officer near the dam. Allsound Security Ashley Boetis said their company received a callout at Welbedacht that a family were trapped in the fire. Operations manager Wimpie Bosman responded to the call.
“It was almost inaccessible due to the fire and the debris.” Bosman managed to get through but found the clients had already evacuated the area. “On his way back near the Lifestyle Estate turnoff, he found a badly burnt woman walking on the side of the road. He saw her injuries were severe so he helped onto the vehicle and lay her down on the back.”
Bosman knew at that time that the provincial hospital was being evacuated. “He met up with Declan Nurse in a NSRI vehicle at the N2 intersection, so with sirens going, they rushed her to the private hospital.” Malawian born Enalo Manda (22) , later died from her injuries in the Tygerberg hospital on Saturday at 21:00
On Friday, the death of a volunteer firefighter was reported. He had succumbed to smoke inhalation and severe burns in the George Medi-Clinic. He was part of a team of volunteers busy with rescue operations between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. The body of the deceased was identified as a Bradley Richardson(24), a volunteer fire fighter with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association from Plettenberg Bay.
“The police have reinforced deployment to the affected areas in Knysna to assist with operations in search of possible missing or lost and unaccounted relatives of those that has fallen victim to the devastating fires. Forensic and rescue dogs were also deployed in these areas,” added Pojie
A 70-year-old woman was reported as missing from her Bergvallei home near Karatara in the early hours of Friday, but was found unharmed by members of the Tsitsikamma K-9 unit at a friend's house in Barrington. Both police spokespersons stressed that police from afar as Cape Town have been deployed to help.
The Knysna police has reinforced deployment to the affected areas in Knysna to assist with operations in search of possible missing or lost and unaccounted relatives of those who have fallen victim to the devastating fires. Forensic and rescue dogs were also deployed in these areas.
Suspects arrested for theft
Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with housebreaking and the possession of stolen property, but they have stressed that widespread looting is not happening.
The suspects are scheduled to appear in the Knysna Magistrate's Court after they were found in possession of furniture reported to be taken from one of the destroyed houses. These suspects, between the ages 40 and 68, were arrested on the spot and are detained at Knysna SAPS police holding cells.
While Pojie was in the Knysna-Plett Herald offices he must have received at least 10 phone calls from media all over the country wanting to know about the looting.
Pojie kept telling them that no such looting was happening, rather seven suspects have been arrested in connection with with housebreaking and the possession of stolen property. Pojie said that this incorrect information would only cause more panic amongst the community.
Further Investigation reveals that some of the furniture to the value of about R80 000.00 was stolen from a house in Brenton On Sea.
The police want to appeal to any affected families and residents to please call the Knysna SAPS at 044-302 6687 or the 08600 10111.
- Read all the fire news here
- Click here for a photo gallery of the fires
- Click here for a photo gallery of the aftermath
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ARTICLE: TEREASA DIAS
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