Listen to this article.
By Buziwe Nocuze
- Langa residents say the Siyahlala fire killed a mother and her children and destroyed 15 shacks, leaving many people homeless.
- Western Cape police and firefighters found the family burnt beyond recognition and opened an inquest while the cause of the fire is investigated.
Families in Siyahlala, Langa, woke on Monday to a tragedy that has left the community heartbroken.
A mother and her three young children died when a fire tore through their shack in the early hours of the morning.
The fire started at around 4am and swept through the settlement, destroying 15 structures and leaving many people without homes.
The woman, her six-year-old child, and her twin three-year-olds were found burnt beyond recognition after firefighters put out the flames.
Lungelwa Sokhela, who was visiting family nearby, woke to screams. “At first I thought I was dreaming until my sister woke me up saying we must run outside before we get burnt inside the shack,” she said.
Lungelwa said they tried to help, but the flames were already too strong. “When we got out it was already too late. The fire was strong and no one could get inside a burning shack,” she said.
Residents believe the mother may have fallen asleep with a candle burning, but the cause of the fire has not been confirmed.
Western Cape police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said Langa police have opened an inquest. “An adult woman and three children were found dead among the debris. The cause of the fire is yet to be established,” he said.
Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said teams responded quickly and put out the fire by 6.30am.
Gift of the Givers project manager Ali Sablay said their teams are helping families on the ground after several fires across Cape Town communities.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously.
Pictured above: A mother with her three children died in a shack fire in Siyahlala, Langa.
Image source: Supplied
