Potch, Let's Help: Family Loses Everything in Devastating Ikageng House Fire
- Karen Scheepers
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
A family has been left with nothing after their home in Ikageng was completely destroyed by fire late on Friday night. The blaze, which occurred on 3 October, forced the family to escape through a window moments before the structure was engulfed in flames. The incident has prompted a compassionate local response as friends, colleagues, and community members rally to help them rebuild their lives.
The Night of the Fire
According to reports, Elias Hlaoli, his wife, and their two children were asleep when Elias woke up around 22:45 to the smell of smoke. He quickly discovered flames spreading through the kitchen and dining area. Acting swiftly, the family managed to escape through a bedroom window just before the fire consumed the entire house by 22:58.
Though no injuries were reported, the family lost all their belongings, including furniture, clothes, appliances, and personal documents.
A Community Responds
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Cathy Schoonwinel, Elias’s colleague of six years and supervisor at La Rose Ridge, has taken the lead in organising community assistance. She has been collecting donations to help the family secure temporary shelter and basic necessities.
“The family has to start completely from scratch,” Cathy said. “We’re asking anyone who can help to donate building materials such as corrugated iron sheets and poles for a temporary structure, as well as household essentials like clothing, bedding, furniture, cutlery, and food.”
Cathy added that donations can be dropped off at La Rose Ridge in Oudeburg Street, or she can be contacted directly at 076 392 5366 for coordination.
Rebuilding From the Ashes
For Elias and his family, the road ahead will be difficult. With their home reduced to ashes, community support will be essential in helping them regain stability. The family’s immediate needs include shelter, warm clothing, and food, but long-term recovery will also depend on sustained support as they work toward rebuilding their lives.
Residents of Potchefstroom are encouraged to come together in the spirit of compassion and solidarity, a defining feature of this close-knit community.
Wrap-Up
The heartbreaking loss suffered by the Hlaoli family has touched the hearts of many in Potchefstroom. What began as a night of terror has evolved into a testament of community unity, as neighbors and strangers alike mobilize to help those in need.
In moments like these, Potchefstroom once again shows its strength not through its structures, but through its people, ordinary citizens choosing empathy over indifference.
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