Quick-thinking neighbours save man from burning to death
ALEXANDRA - An Alex man was this morning saved from being burnt alive in his room by quick reaction of his neighbours.
An Alex man was saved from being burnt alive in his room by his neighbours’ quick response, yesterday morning.
Gideon Moruswi, who lives alone in 8th Avenue and is said to be an avowed Christian, was taken to Alex Clinic for treatment for burn wounds on his hands and thigh.
Unathi Buqa, who was first on the scene, said he was alerted by smoke coming from the room at about 8am and he passed on a hosepipe to the victim who doused the fire before Emergency Management Services arrived.
Other neighbours, including Ward 108 committee members Walter Mojapelo and Mpho Pitse were concerned after seeing Moruswi’s room as it was piled up with clothes, plastic and other flammable material.
Pitse said they were trying to locate Moruswi’s only surviving sister to alert her of the incident. While no one knew how the fire started, Pitse said the man had a hearing problem, was a recluse and appeared to have emotional problems after the death of his parents some years ago.
Mojapelo stated that while Moruswi was a religious person, his emotional state required some attention, and believes the church should have visited their congregant regularly to ensure his life was stable and he was not a danger to himself or others. He urged neighbours to also look out for each other as the ward committee members, councillors and other leaders couldn’t possibly be everywhere to help those in need.
Details: Walter Mojapelo 011 443 7408
