Police are investigating the cause of fire that claimed the life of a five-year-old in KTC on Saturday 9 July.
The shocking incident happened at Memani Street.
According to reports, the mother of the child and another child managed to escape although they suffered severe burn wounds.
The fire is the second in a space of a week. On Saturday 2 July, three people died when their house caught fire at Emaplangeni Crescent at Basil Starke hostel.
Nkosikhona Mafenuka, chair of the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) in Ward 38, said they are disturbed by the loss of a young life in that manner.
“The incident occurred on Saturday evening exactly when there was loadshedding. The fire started at the tenant’s shack at the back. It is alleged that everyone was asleep. But, the deceased’s mother with another three year old child managed to escape although they suffered burn wounds,” said Mafenuka.
Gugulethu Police Station spokesperson Sgt Sindisiwe Ngqele confirmed the incident. She said an inquest docket has been opened.
“A five-year-old boy burned beyond recognition during the incident. While the deceased’s mother together with another child suffered severe burns and were rushed to hospital,” said Ngqele.
She stated that the cause of the fire is still unknown and the police are investigating the case.