Update
ABERDEEN NEWS - The cause of the fire that burnt a young Aberdeen family's house to the ground is still unknown, although it seems to have started in the kitchen.
There is speculation that a piece of equipment could have shorted, possibly due to a surge when the power came back on after a planned Eskom outage earlier this month.
“We shall never forget the kindness and love people had shown to us. We start over after 12 years, but are very grateful for so much grace,” said Didi Lategan, who lived on the farm Belmont outside Aberdeen with her husband Jannie and sons Jan-Hendrik (10) and Leon (6).
They family was at their home in Graaff-Reinet when a farm worker informed them about the fire.
We have lost everything,” said Didi. “I am just thankful that my children are safe, although they are very traumatised.”
The family has been staying with Jannie’s parents on their nearby farm, and despite the tragedy, life on Belmont has had to go on, with stock to be fed and cared for.
They have been to George and Mossel Bay to stock up with new clothes, and the boys went back to school before the holidays. They miss their home, their toys and their dogs.
The family was able to spend some time with Didi’s parents in Richmond during the holidays, which was a welcome break.
The ruins will be flattened and the house rebuilt, although they don’t know when. For now, they are thankful that they have a place to stay with Jannie’s parents, and are very grateful for all the practical help and well-wishes that they have received.
“Although we are going to build a new house with new furniture, there are so many things that can never be replaced, like the photo albums of my kids, our wedding, my family and my kitchen,” said Didi this week. “We would like to thank our Father for saving our lives, and everyone for the love and support we received.”
Read a previous article: Aberdeen farmhouse destroyed by blaze
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