Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo

04 July 2022

The Police in Mpumalanga are saddened by an incident in which two sets of twins, aged eight (8) and thirteen (13) were burned to death in the early hours of Monday, 04 July 2022.

According to the information at our disposal, the police were called to the scene where a shack was on fire at Marikana Informal Settlement in Hendrina. 

On their arrival, they indeed found that it was true and as a result the fire fighters were also called to extinguish the fire.

Unfortunately two sets of twins (two boys and two girls) were certified dead. 

It is not yet confirmed what might be the cause of the fire but loose cables were visible on the ground, which prompted a suspicion that there may have been an illegal connection of electricity.

It is further alleged that the 33-year old mother of the deceased (undocumented Mozambican National) left them three days ago in the care of their 17 year old brother.

When the fire broke out, the brother tried to save the lives of his siblings but couldn’t as the fire was already at an advanced stage.

The mother and the 17 year old boy have been taken to hospital in Middelburg as they are in a state of shock.

Police have registered an inquest and the investigation is ongoing.