Family mourns losses in tragic fire incident in Mitchells Plain

A Mitchells Plain family has experienced immense loss and trauma following a devastating house fire that occurred on the evening of 28 September 2026. The fire, intentionally set by the neighbour's relative, Lee Roy Geduld, who has schizophrenia, razed a section of their Honolulu Street home in Tafelsig. Geduld was charged with arson and appeared in court, but the family has suffered multiple traumatic events due to his alleged behavior in the past.

The fire caused extensive damage to their home, with some parts being waterlogged and ruined during the fire department's containment efforts. The tragedy resulted in the death of one of the family's cats, Tiepie, who was adopted 10 months ago. Another cat managed to escape the blaze but died from smoke inhalation. Geduld's mother, Nerina Sampson, called on the State to provide her son with necessary detention and support due to his schizophrenia.

The family's neighbour confirmed that this was not the first time Geduld had attempted to set alight their family home. The Ramedies family stated that Geduld had a history of violence, drug abuse, and incidents of stabbing and assault, but despite these warnings, the recent fire added to their traumatic experiences. They had not received immediate medical attention on the day of the incident, and the trauma was compounded by Geduld's approaching final examinations and the loss of school supplies and uniform.