Havana shack fire claims mother of three

A horrific fire that broke out at the informal settlement of Havana at Katutura on Tuesday night, claimed the life of a mother of three, Helena Emmanuel (26).

The fire, which engulfed three shacks, occurred at around 23h40.

Speaking to The Namibian on Friday, Emmanuel’s aunt Martha Dyuulume, who recounted the events of that night, said the cause of the fire remains unknown. “We are not really sure what caused it, all we know is that the fire started between 23h40 and midnight, but no one knows for sure where it began,” she said.

She added that family members and residents are still awaiting the cause of the fire, as investigators are yet to release a report.

According to Dyuulume, Emmanuel was alone in her shack when the fire began.

“She lived alone, and when the fire started, she was the one shouting for help. We suspect she woke up when she saw the flames and tried to escape, but it was too late,” Dyuulume said.

She said neighbours initially thought the commotion was due to an argument or an attack by gang members.

Dyuulume, who was in a nearby house when the fire broke out, said neighbours attempted to put out the flames.

“There were people throwing water, but by the time we realised what was happening, it was already too late. Everything was burnt, and we couldn’t save her,” she said.

Emmanuel leaves behind three children who live with relatives in the north.

She is described by her neighbours and family members as friendly and a ‘people person’.

According to Emmanuel’s aunt and the legal owner of the residential area and shacks that burned down, she was at neighbours’ house when the incident took place.

“We were having ginger beer at the neighbours’ when the fire broke out, and when I was informed that my place was affected, I immediately panicked,” she said.

According to police spokesperson Elifas Kuwinga, the body of Emmanuel was discovered burned in a shack.

“The discovery was made by fire extinguishers of Otjomuise during the time of extinguishing the fire. The cause of the fire not yet known,” he said.