Swaminathan Anomant Govender.
Image: Supplied
A devastating house fire on J Smith Estate in Darnall left a family grieving and shaken, after a 57-year-old bedridden man died in the blaze late at night.
Roslyn Gangai, 45, recounted the traumatic events that unfolded on April 20, describing how her mother narrowly escaped while her uncle was trapped inside the burning home.
“My mom, Ivy Govender, 64, and uncle, Swaminathan Anomant Govender, lived alone. I live a few doors away from them. My mom came to us just after 10pm screaming that their house was on fire. By that time the room was already engulfed in flames,” said Gangai.
According to her, neighbours rushed to assist as the fire spread rapidly.
“The neighbors tried to help as much as they could,” she said.
Gangai explained that only her uncle’s room was destroyed in the blaze, though the rest of the house sustained smoke and heat damage.
“Only his room was burnt and we managed to stop the fire but there is damage from smoke and heat. We did not expect a fire of that magnitude because it is a brick house.”
Her uncle had been in poor health and unable to escape on his own.
“My uncle was bedridden. His toe was amputated four years ago and he recently suffered two massive strokes. My mom was taking care of him,” she said.
The family believes the fire may have started accidentally.
“We believe that the fire started because of his smoking and he fell asleep without putting his cigarette out.”
Fire damage in the room.
Image: Supplied
Gangai’s husband, Neelesh, 46, and daughter Amber Abraham, 23, attempted to rescue him but were overcome by smoke.
“My husband tried to go in but the smoke was too much. My daughter tried to help as well but it was just too late. My husband and daughter cannot speak about that night.”
Despite desperate efforts, the uncle could not be saved.
“We felt helpless and broken that we were watching flames and we could not do anything. We could not even help him. And knowing that he could not move. It was horrific hearing my mother beg everyone to save him.
“I had to see the house burn down and my uncle leaving in a body bag. I suffer from depression, anxiety and insomnia, and I am on strong medication.
“My husband had to leave my mom with the neighbor because they thought she would have run back into the house and the truth is I would have done the same.”
The emotional toll on the family has been immense. Gangai described the lasting trauma experienced by her mother, who heard her brother’s final cries.
“My husband had to go and identify the body, he is still in shock. My mother can still hear his voice asking for help, even a lamp burning is triggering her.”
The funeral was held on Friday under heartbreaking circumstances.
“We had to have a sealed coffin because he was burnt beyond recognition.”
Gangai said her mother would not return to the house and would instead live with her due to the trauma.
She also highlighted her mother’s recent health struggles.
“She was not well in December 2025; she had TB and with all of that she was looking after my uncle.”
Fire damage in the room.
Image: Supplied
The tragedy has deeply affected the entire household.
“We are not okay. We are caught between surviving, running on adrenaline and we are coping. We are living with the fact that we know my uncle burnt to death.”
She added that her family plans to seek professional help.
Gangai expressed gratitude to those who assisted during the emergency.
“I would appreciate it if you could thank the people that helped us in that time of need. Alvin Moonsamy and family, Ravi Padayachee and family, David Chetty and Andrew the farm manager.”
She also paid tribute to her uncle’s character and legacy.
“My uncle was a gem of a person. When he was unemployed, he looked after all of the children and the parents who worked on the farm. He once saved a puppy from drowning. He could never ever hold a grudge.
“We were mentally preparing ourselves that if he passed on, it would be with his illness. We never thought of a house fire. I still cannot believe how fast everything happened,” said Gangai.