By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
Police in Maake have opened an inquest docket after four children aged between three and 11 years died when their house caught fire.
The tragic incident took place on Friday night, 12 July 2024 at about 23:00 at Calais village in Maake policing area, Mopani district.
On arrival at the scene, police found community members trying to assist, and they managed to remove the children from the house.
Despite the rapid response from emergency services, the children sadly succumbed to the blaze.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that preliminary investigation revealed that the mother left her three girls aged three, seven and nine with her 11-year-old nephew sleeping when she went to her mother’s residence nearby to collect food items for her other child who was returning from the initiation school.
“Upon her return, she found the house on fire trapping the children inside.
“The children’s identities are withheld due to ongoing investigation. The cause of fire is under investigation,” said Ledwaba.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is deeply saddened by the horrific death of the children.
” In the same light, we strongly appeal to parents to be extra careful with the safety of those under their care,” cautioned Hadebe.
