RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - The police in Tlhabane have confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened following a tragic incident in Rustenburg North, in which a young child lost her life in a fire.
The case is currently under investigation by Detective Sergeant David Kgokong of Tlhabane SAPS.
According to information received from Sgt Ofentse Mokgadi, Rustenburg police spokesperson, it is alleged that on Sunday, 11 May, at approximately 04:00, a couple and their three children were asleep in their rented room when a fire broke out. Preliminary information suggests that the family had been using a candle for light due to a power outage and left it burning as they went to sleep.
The mother reportedly awoke to the fire and managed to rescue her partner and two of their children - a nine-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son - who are believed to have inhaled smoke fumes. Tragically, the couple’s daughter, an 8-year-old, could not be saved and was burned beyond recognition.
The survivors are currently receiving medical treatment in hospital. It is further alleged that a gas cylinder present in the room may have exploded during the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
