Elderly traumatised, one in hospital after Rosemoor fire

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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - A borrowed bed, a frying pan and a kettle are keeping Kitty Klaasen (78) company in her "new" home in Rosemoor Service Centre for the Aged. She lost everything, including her Sassa pension, which she received a few days before a fire destroyed her entire house last Friday morning, 5 July.

The fire also caused serious damage to the house of her neighbour, Betty Stanfliet (78).

Stanfliet is currently awaiting a second heart operation in Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. According to her daughter Claudine Stanfliet, she received emergency heart surgery on Tuesday 9 July, and is now awaiting a major heart operation which will be scheduled for later this month.

"Stress from the house fire caused her to have a heart attack," said Claudine. "My mom is a heart patient and this incident put her heart under further stress."

Claudine and her sister, Vanessa Jane, currently stay at their brother's home in Cape Town, where they are awaiting their mother's surgery.

VIDEO: Michelle Pienaar

The cause of the fire is still unknown. Photo: Jacques du Toit

"She is still very traumatised," said Stanfliet. "Whenever she closes her eyes, she sees flames. She misses my dad too, who passed seven years ago." Betty Stanfliet lost all her belongings, except a few clothing items she managed to throw out of the window. "The problem is, whatever is left is covered with asbestos powder from the roof. This poses a serious health risk and she can't use any of those items," her daughter said.

Both women have been allocated other houses on the premises.

By yesterday morning, the cause of the fire was not yet known. Debra Sauer, communications officer for George Municipality, said the George Fire Brigade arrived on the scene shortly after 07:00. She said no injuries were reported.

Chairperson of the service centre's board, Cherese Kotze, said it was a very emotional incident that left aunt Kitty traumatised. "We await a visit from the authorities to assess what possibly happened. The property belongs to George Municipality."

Meanwhile, a few donated items reached the centre, including a bed for Kitty Klaasen, a small couch and two chairs. Both Klaasen and Stanfliet need help with basic items such as curtains, cleaning products, toiletries, crockery, kitchen appliances, a small stove and cupboards for clothing and groceries.

Warm meals for Kitty Klaasen are also on the wish list.

For donations, contact Connie Pedro: 060 6017 112; Sandra Nortjie 072 354 6742 or Ruwayne Wilson 078 662 7882.

Betty Stanfliet (78) on Tuesday 9 July at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town where she will soon receive a second heart operation following the fire at her residence. Photo: Ryan Stanfliet

Happier days: Betty Stanfliet in front, with her grandson Callum Stanfliet (2) and children (from left) Claudine Stanfliet, Vanessa Jane and Ryan Stanfliet.