Cape Town – A shack fire claimed the lives of two sets of twins, who were in the care of their 17-year-old brother in Hendrina, near Ermelo in Mpumalanga, on Monday.
The four siblings were aged 8 and 13.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said police were called to the scene where a shack was on fire at Marikana Informal Settlement in Hendrina.
“On their arrival, they indeed found that it was true, and as a result, the firefighters were also called to extinguish the fire. Unfortunately two sets of twins (two boys and two girls) were certified dead,” Mohlala said in a statement.
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The cause of the fire remained unknown, “but loose cables were visible on the ground, which prompt a suspicion that there may have been an illegal connection of electricity”, said Mohlala.
It was further alleged that the 33-year-old mother of the deceased left them three days ago in the care of their 17-year-old brother.
“When the fire broke out, the bother tried to save the lives of his siblings but couldn’t, as the fire was already at an advanced stage.
“The mother and the 17-year-old boy have been taken to hospital in Middelburg as they are in a state of shock,” Mohala said.
He said police had since registered an inquest and investigations were ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
