DURBAN – The early hours of 11 July 2020, is a day the Mkhulisi family in Umlazi will never forget. Four armed male suspects, looking for one of the family members, who was not present at the time, started pouring petrol all over the house and set the house alight.
Four siblings were still in the house when it caught on fire. Three of the siblings managed to escape however, unfortunately, one sibling, who is physically challenged, was severely burnt and succumbed to his injuries.
Wentworth SAPS Constable Hassan Khan, Mrs Jenny Gomes from Wentworth SAPS Victim Friendly Centre together with Smangele Duma International Foundation, approached a local businessman in “V” Section Umlazi, Mr Suleman Dhooma to assist in restoring the burnt home. Mr Dhooma from Umlazi Discount Hardware sent his builders to assess the damages. The damages were estimated at R200 000.
In a period of less than two months, Umlazi Discount Hardware had finished building a beautiful home for the Mkhulisi family.
On 02 September 2020, Mr Dhooma officially handed over the keys to Miss Zimbili Mkhulisi in the presence of Smangele Duma Foundation, Wentworth SAPS and Umlazi members, led by Colonel W. A.F. Van Zyl, Station Commander of Wentworth SAPS.
Wentworth SAPS also handed over food parcels, blankets and other hampers to assist the family during this challenging time of loss.
Colonel Van Zyl in closing said, “I am really proud of the initiative that my members, Umlazi Discount Hardware and Smangele Duma International Foundation has played in ensuring that this project becomes a life changing success. It is a great honour to see the Mkhulisi family happy today because of the unity and team effort of all parties involved.”
Major General Vukani Mgobhozi, Ethekwini District Commissioner said, “I am very pleased to see police going above and beyond the call of duty and station boundaries, to help a needy family who has suffered much loss due to a senseless crime. I commend all partners and SAPS Wentworth for this outstanding compassionate, initiative in Umlazi Community.”
Source: South African Police Service