A family of five at Otjiwarongo's informal settlement was left homeless after their corrugated iron house was gutted by fire last night.

The family said a 70-year-old grandmother was trying to light her smoking pipe in the house.

"After lighting her smoking pipe successfully, she threw the matchstick on the floor, which then caused the bedding to catch fire; that's how the fire started," said Ester Kalupa, a resident.

Kalupa said her mom's poor eyesight may have caused her to toss the lit matchstick.

Otjiwarongo Councillor Paulus Nekundi sought assistance from the business community and donated ten iron sheets for the family to reconstruct their home. 

"They actually have nothing at all left, as you can see here; documentation, clothing, everything was destroyed yesterday, so we are also using the opportunity to ask other members of the community around – we really want people to handle fire with care because it can destroy," said Nekunid.

The office of the councillor also donated beds, bedding, clothing items and foodstuffs.