How a devastating fire took the lives of three young children in Limpopo

Three children, aged between two and four, died after a fire broke out at a one-room house in Itsani village in the Vhembe District on Friday, burning them beyond recognition.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said officers on duty received a report about a house fire with children reportedly trapped inside.

“Police urgently proceeded to the scene, where they found fire brigades already busy extinguishing the blaze,” Ledwaba said.

“When the fire was put out, it was discovered that three children had been burned beyond recognition.”

Ledwaba said preliminary investigations suggest the children were playing near the one-room house, but it remains unclear how they ended up inside.

“The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage,” he added.

Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed shock over the incident and has directed that forensic experts be summoned to assist with the investigation.

The police’s further investigations are under way, and the police are considering the possibility of laying charges of negligence or failure to supervise minors against the children’s parents or guardians.

“Police investigations are continuing,” Ledwaba said.

Last month, IOL News reported that a tragic house fire in Shallcross claimed the lives of a well-known couple, Donovan and Rachel Chetty, both 68, and injured nine others believed to be family members and employees.

The fire broke out at the family’s Midmar Road home. The family has remained tight-lipped as investigations continue.

This marks the third fire tragedy in Chatsworth since December last year.

In December, Kogie, Maya, and Niren Veerappen died in a fire at their Silverglen home. 

In May, on Mother’s Day, Indran Naidoo and Shanitha Jeevan died in their sleep during a fire in Woodhurst.

Donovan Chetty was a prominent businessman and owner of Dontrans, a logistics and transport company operating for over four decades. 

His wife, Rachel, was the pastor and head of Elohim Ministries.

Chatsworth police spokesperson, Captain Ntathu Ndlovu, said a member of the community tried to help during the Shallcross fire.

“At least nine others survived with smoke inhalation. A brave neighbour had to be taken to a medical facility after she sustained injuries while breaking down the door to rescue those inside,” he said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Chatsworth police have opened two inquest dockets.

ALS Paramedics Medical Services spokesperson, Garrith Jamieson, said paramedics arrived to find the eThekwini Fire Department already battling the blaze.

“Paramedics assessed the occupants who had managed to escape. They sustained minor injuries. The couple’s bodies were discovered after the fire was extinguished,” he said.

IOL News