The suburb of Eden was in commotion when a billowing black cloud rose above the Schutte's home by 11:45.
Speaking from outside her home on Saturday afternoon, Annette said she was shocked to find her home devastated by the fire. At 13:00 the George Fire Brigade were still mopping up.
Annette had rushed home from town after being informed by a neighbour that her family home was in flames.
Speaking from the burnt-out shell of his home, George said on Tuesday that Nedbank would be sending out assessors, but that on the face of it, it appeared as if the house would have to be completely demolished as the walls, electrical wiring and roof were beyond salvaging. He had flown home from Windhoek upon hearing the shocking news. He told the George Herald, "The fire brigade suspects that the fire started in our bedroom, and it would seem it was simply an unfortunate set of circumstances linked to the load shedding that caused it." Only two bedrooms remain relatively intact, but it is unclear how much structural damage there is. A structural engineer would determine the extent of the damage."
While rummaging through the charred remains of his study furniture, George said he was hoping to retrieve some personal documents. A 10 year service certificate from Mediclinic, where George had held the post of hospital manager until last year, was lying on the floor. He currently holds a position with a medical group, which takes him away from home a lot. In the meantime, his son, Johan, his wife and himself are staying with family in Great Brak River.
Further arrangements may have to be made for their accommodation while their home is being rebuilt next year. "I'm hoping that it can be done as soon as possible. We are extremely grateful that nobody was hurt in the fire and that even our dogs, Jatsie and Roxy, are unscathed," said George. One thing that was intact from the former homestead, which is believed to have been built in the previous century, is a wooden beam with the inscription 'Algemene Handelshuis'.
Chantel Edwards-Klose, George Municipality media liaison officer, said George Municipal Fire Brigade confirms that the call was received at 11:37 and the vehicle arrived at the address at 11:45. "On arrival the fire brigade found the house in flames, and managed to save some of the rooms. A section of the roof was also damaged. At this stage the cause cannot be determined."
Captain Bernadine Steyn, Southern Cape Police spokesperson, said, "No criminal case was opened and no foul play is suspected."
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The roof of the kitchen collapsed due to the intensity of the fire. Very little remains of this former historic farmstead. The family is just relieved that nobody was hurt in the fire on Saturday.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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