Pastor and his family die in house fire

On November 3, five members of the Mphithi family were burned to death at the Methodist Church missionary house in the King Hintsa District in Askeaton, Cala. On Tuesday, November 15, they will be buried in East London.

The pastor, Mandisi Mphithi (46), his wife Danisaa (29), and their three children, Khololwethu (5), Zimi (3), and Yololwethu (11 months), lived in this house.

The burning of the entire family at the same time shocked the community.

According to a police report, the firefighters arrived after all of the members of the family had died inside the house. One person, the family’s domestic worker, Nthabiseng Matsieng (28), survived and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

The service will begin at their home in Macleantown, near Cumakala. Today, November 11, a memorial service was held at Seplan Circuit in Askeaton, Cala.

The Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, said that the death of this family is a loss not only for their relatives, but also for the Methodists and residents of Cala who received spiritual support from this pastor.

“He was a good and living role model for his wife and family, and he played a significant role for young and old people in this area,” said Mabuyane.

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa also expressed condolences to the victims’ families. It also requested prayers for family members.

A case has been opened, and the police are investigating the cause of the fire, which is unknown. The public is also encouraged to assist the police; anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.