shack fire Mpumalanga

Mother and two children killed in Mpumalanga shack fire
Photo source: SAPS

Mother and two children killed in Witbank shack fire

As to what led to the shack fire, Mpumalanga police believe the mother fell asleep whilst a two plate stove was on

shack fire Mpumalanga

Mother and two children killed in Mpumalanga shack fire
Photo source: SAPS

Tragedy has struck in Witbank, Mpumalanga as the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirm that a mother and her two children burned to death in a shack fire.

“Two children, a four year boy and his five year old sister were sadly burnt to death with their 31 year old mother in the early hours of today, 08 July 2022 around 00h30 am at Klarinet Extention 3 in Witbank,” said SAPS Mpumalanga spokesperson Selvy Mohlala in a statement on Friday afternoon, 8 July 2022.

“Police in the Mpumalanga Province are so much concerned about these heartbreaking incidents in which children are killed as a result of fire. The two incidents sadly occurred in a space of about four days as this one follows the one which took place on Monday, 04 July 2022 at Hendrina,” he also added.

ALSO READ: Two sets of twins burnt beyond recognition in Mpumalanga shack fire

MPUMALANGA POLICE EXPLAIN WHAT LED TO SHACK FIRE

Further shedding light on the shack fire, Mpumalanga police believe the mother, who was inside the shack with her two children, could have left a two plate stove on to keep themselves warm. At the time, the father had left them to do some shopping, SAPS has said.

“Further allegations is that the mother fell asleep whilst the stove was still on. The shack caught fire and engulfed in flames with the mother and the two minors inside. The three could not be saved and were unfortunately certified dead on the scene. Police at Witbank are investigating three counts of inquest following the incident”

SAPS Mpumalanga spokesperson Selvy Mohlala

Mpumalanga’s SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has added her voice to the tragedy, expressing condolonces to the family and further urging members of the public to avoid unsafe methods of getting warm during these extreme cold conditions, something that is exacerbated by load shedding experienced throughout the country.

“The incident is regrettable. Though we understand the situation that we find ourselves in but we still cautioned the public to always consider safety first whenever they attempts to warm themselves from the chilling conditions,” Manamela said.