Family exposed to the elements as side wall of house collapses

Heavy rains have left a family from Tshimbupfe Ha-Mutheiwana village near Vuwani helpless after a side wall of their three-roomed house collapsed, leaving them trapped in unsafe living conditions.

The incident occurred during the early hours of 19 January, when Ms Khathutshelo Nemugumoni and her children were woken by a loud “booof” sound. When the mother of four went to investigate, she discovered that one of the side walls had collapsed. Fortunately, neither Nemugumoni nor her children were injured. However, their lives remain at risk as they continue to live in the damaged house, which is exposed to the elements, while the interior is affected by mould.

“We are trapped in this house. As a mother I can see that it is dangerous to remain in this house. Since I have nowhere to go, we are now sleeping in one of the rooms. We really need help,” said Nemugumoni.

Senior traditional leader Thovhele Adv Tshedza Netshimbupfe described the incident as heartbreaking. “I'm deeply hurt by this tragedy caused by the heavy rainfall. As the family remain trapped in uninhabitable house, facing unforeseen hardship, I am appealing to kind-hearted South Africans and government leaders to extend their compassion and support to this stranded family,” he said.

In the spirit of vhuthu (humanity) and togetherness, Netshimbupfe urged villagers and those who are able to assist to contribute necessities such as shelter and food to the family.

Date:23 January 2026

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Read: 683