By Ozengiwe Mani.
SHE thought she met the love of her life in 2023 after taking a break from dating.
Askies sisters, what happened?
Today, she’s homeless after her boyfriend, who’s on the run, allegedly burnt her four-roomed shack down.
Phumeza Hluthwa (47) from Emadadeni informal settlement in KwaLanga, near Kariega, claimed her trouble started when she told him they must part ways.
The man allegedly moved out some weeks ago, only to return on Saturday night, 31 August, to demand his R450 heater he had lent her.
On that day, Phumeza was at a stokvel, she told him to come fetch it on Sunday.
The man, armed with a hammer, allegedly threatened to kill her in front of the people at her stokvel gathering. But a neighbour came to her defence.
Angry lover sets home on fire
Instead of leaving, the dumped and jealous boyfriend went to Phumeza’s place on the same Saturday. Instead of taking his heater, he allegedly burnt her four-roomed shack to the ground.
When Phumeza came back, her shack was all ashes.
Devastated, Phumeza said she lost everything she had accumulated over the years. She lost beds, two fridges, sofas, wardrobes, her clothes and those of her children, and other things.
“My shack was full. I made sure I spent my stokvel money wisely. I think he was also jealous of my achievements,” Phumeza claimed.
Sisters reveals reason behind breakup
She decided to end the relationship because the boyfriend was irresponsible with his money and stole from her.
Phumeza, who works as a domestic said: “I make sure the little salary I receive goes an extra mile. He always spends his money on booze.”
She claimed she had tried several times to guide him, but he felt it was his money and would spend it however he wanted
Her daughter, Anga Hluthwa (25), said after the man stole from her mum, she told her to leave him.
“The man would come beg my mum to take him back and forced his way back into our home. We wish the law could take its course and arrest him. We lost everything. My son has no clothes, my younger brother has no school uniform,” said Anga.
She claimed on the night the man came to burn the shack she was out.
“I wanted to sleep but decided to go see my friend. I could have burnt to death.”
Anga said they suspect the boyfriend used petrol to set their home ablaze.
Neighbour, Nzuzo Sambo, said they’re disturbed by what happened.
“Phumeza has worked hard for what she had, and for this man to come and destroy her life within a minute. We appeal to the community to contribute anything they have to help her rebuild her home.”
Daily Kasi News tried to get hold of the alleged boyfriend, but his phone went straight to voicemail, and he’s not been seen since the fire incident.
Captain Nelda Sekgobela, spokeswoman for Kariega District Police, said the police are investigating a case of arson. No arrest has been made yet.
Daily Kasi News 