Update: “I was in a state” – Lizette Delport

Lizette Delport, victim of a random fire that broke out on Tuesday 1 October in her Mercia Court flat, have not returned to the scene of the incident yet.

“I haven’t been there since the fire was extinguished yesterday, I didn’t want to be there.

“I was in a state.”

Although Joburg EMS could not confirm the cause of the fire yet, which was at its peak just after 11am on Tuesday, Delport confirmed that they would have returned to the flat on Wednesday 2 October for further inspection.

“Hopefully after today (2 October) we can determine the cause of the incident and I would have determined exactly what I need to replace immediately.”

Delport says that she doesn’t have her home or personal goods insured.

Mercia Court management and caretaker Bettie Weyers suggested that the Delports use an empty flat in the Court in the meanwhile, but this is not confirmed with the owner of the property yet. The Delports spent Tuesday night at a family friend’s house.

Lizette has three children but confirmed that only two of the. are staying with her currently. While her teenage daughter attends school in Krugersdorp, her infant son spends his day at a crèche in Witpoortjie. Her eldest son is overseas.

“Many people have offered their help but I am not sure what I need until the inspection of the flat is over.

“Thank you to everyone who have offered their help to us.”

The Record reported on Tuesday that residents had to try and control the fire themselves as they awaited emergency services’ arrival. Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi could not comment on their response time of approximately an hour after the call was made.

Any person who can offer help to the Delports can contact Lizette on 074 304 5144.