Sammy's 'R10 million' goes up in smoke

THE owner of Savumash Lodge in Bosplass, North West, said it's heartbreaking to watch his premises go up in flames.

The fire was allegedly started by one of the neighbours who was burning grass and trees, and unfortunately, that fire jumped to the next yard, leaving the lodge in ashes.

Sammy Mashele told Daily Sun he was at the local mall when he received a call about the building burning.

He said even after rushing back, the damage had already been done because the wind was too strong.

"There were neighbours around who tried to put out the fire with buckets of water, but the fire was too strong. The firefighters also arrived, but most of the chalets had already caught fire. This is a huge loss, and I don't even know where to start. I don't know how I will rebuild this business because this was bread for my family," said Sammy.

He said normally this time until December's when he saves for school fees for his kids and covers other household needs.

ALSO READ | Madala turns bedroom into mine tunnelOpens in new window

"I don't even know where to start. This is a huge loss, and when I estimate the damages, it's around R10 million. I had 14 chalets, a conference centre, a bar, a dining hall, and 12 rooms, but now there's nothing," said Sammy.

He said luckily there were no people injured. He said when they went to investigate the house which allegedly started the fire, there was no one. He said people who were seen building outside in that yard were no longer there.

One of the neighbours said the people who caused the fire were busy burning grass and some trees, not knowing the fire would get too strong. He said everyone tried to put out the fire, but unfortunately, it was too strong.

Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Funani said an arson case has been opened after a fire was started by unknown people who were burning fields next to the Lodge. She said no one was injured and investigations are continuing.