From ashes, a plea for a new beginning

The remains of the freestanding, thatch-roofed house following the devastating blaze.

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – A woman escaped with burn injuries after a devastating fire destroyed the house she rented on the farm Magathashoek, along the R52 just outside Rustenburg, in the Kgetlengrivier municipal area, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

According to her daughter, Marilieze Huisamen, her mother – who is also named Marilieze Huisamen – was living alone in the freestanding, thatch-roofed house.

She woke at approximately 00:20 after noticing a strange smell. When she entered the living room, she discovered that the couches were on fire. She attempted to extinguish the flames with water, but the fire spread rapidly. She managed to escape and close the valve of a large gas cylinder outside. By the time she tried to return, the flames were already too high for her to re-enter the house safely.

Although she was able to save her parrot and two cockatiels, she could not reach her beloved dog and two cats. Babatjie, a one-and-a-half-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Sokkies, a two-year-old cat, and Blitz, a four-month-old kitten, died in the fire.

Everything inside the house was destroyed, including clothing, furniture, appliances, identity documents, photographs and treasured sentimental possessions. The contents were not insured, although the property owner reportedly has insurance on the house.

Marilieze’s mother sustained burns to the back of her head and hands and was taken to a doctor the following morning. She initially stayed with her son and is currently sharing a room with her granddaughters at her other daughter’s home. She has since returned to work but continues to struggle with anxiety and the emotional impact of the fire.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown. A statement was submitted to the Koster police, and the circumstances surrounding the fire are being investigated.

The family hopes to help Marilieze find a place of her own again and begin replacing essential furniture and household items. “We would like to thank every person who has already donated clothing, toiletries and cleaning products,” her daughter said. “It was incredible to see even people we do not know going out of their way to help us.”

Anyone who would like to assist the family may contact Marilieze Huisamen, the daughter, on 072 349 5630, or Marilieze Huisamen, the mother, on 072 850 7686.