Earlier this year, Pumlani Ntuntwana demonstrated extraordinary bravery when he risked his life to save a child trapped inside a burning shack and sustained severe burns on both of his hands — a reminder of the sacrifice he made that day.
On June 3, Ntuntwana had just finished cooking and was on his way to fetch his son from crèche when he heard frantic screams from a nearby shack in his community of Nompumelelo.
“I heard people shouting ‘Fire! Fire!’ I ran towards the noise and someone told me there was a child trapped inside. The father was trying to rush into the flames, but people were holding him back,” Ntuntwana said.
“I tore off a piece of zinc and went in. The child was crying, but luckily unharmed by the fire. It was so windy, and I was struggling because I was alone.”
With courage and determination, Ntuntwana managed to hand the child to safety through the roof.
However, as he attempted to jump out, he lost his balance and grabbed onto the burning hot zinc, severely burning his hands.
“My hands were burnt badly. That zinc was already hot from melted plastic and tires. I really thought I might not make it,” Ntuntwana said.
Despite his injuries, his first thought was to ensure his workplace knew he wouldn’t be able to return the next day.
Both Ntuntwana and the child were taken to the hospital, but after being transferred to Frere Hospital, Ntuntwana lost contact with the child and their father.
Though he is proud of saving the child’s life, Ntuntwana admits he won’t risk his life like that again. “I’ve told myself I won’t do it again, no matter who it is. Next time, I’ll let the fire brigade handle it,” he said.
BCMM ward 18 councillor Jason McDowell said civilians shouldn’t have to take such risks and called for improvements in the municipality’s fire response.
“The problem is that when people call for help, the lines don’t always work. The fire department is also understaffed and lacks the necessary equipment,” McDowell said.
“These are critical issues that BCM needs to address.”
Ntuntwana’s selfless act has not only saved a life but also highlighted the urgent need for better emergency response infrastructure.
