Five children killed in shack fire while parents out drinking

Five children died when about six shacks were ravaged by a fire in Itireleng informal settlement near Laudium in Pretoria.

The gruesome incident happened in the early hours of 27 August 2023 and was reported at approximately 04:26.

FIVE CHILDREN KILLED IN ITIRELENG SHACK FIRE

City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Charles Mabaso said firefighters arrived on the scene to find multiple shacks engulfed by fire and immediately started with firefighting operations.

Mabaso said five remains of children burnt beyond recognition were discovered in the ruins of the shacks after the fire was extinguished. The five children, three boys aged two, four, six and two girls aged one year five months and seven years of age belonged to two sisters.

ALSO READ: Body of an infant discovered at a dumping site in Mpumalanga

“It is alleged that the two sisters left the children in one shack overnight and went out to drink at a nearby tavern. At the time of releasing the statement, the sisters were under police arrest and taken to a local police station for questioning,” he explained. 

Mabaso said the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire are still under investigation.

“We call upon parents and caregivers to ensure that children are always left under the care of an adult and in a safe environment,” he added.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKWANDA NCWANE