The Mabilwana family at Mpolweni informal settlement in Makhaza is heartbroken following the death of their two family members and a friend.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday 27 August and the cause is unknown.
According to reports, lesbian couple Anathi Mabilwana (28) and Anelisa Misa (28) and Bathobele Mabilwana (18), Anathi’s younger sister, were all sleeping when their shack caught fire.
Anathi and Bathobele’s uncle Sikhumbuzo Mabilwana said they are still devastated by the incident. He said they received a call from one of the deceased’s neighbours citing that their shack was on fire.
He said when he arrived, the shack was in flames.
“It was difficult to extinguish the flames because there was no water. We were using sand. However, we managed to extinguish it with the assistance of the community. We saw their bodies after we extinguished the flames,” explained Sikhumbuzo, adding that it was their only shack that was affected by the fire.
He stated that Bathobele was just sleeping over for that night because she permanently stayed with her grandmother.
Sikhumbuzo said that they are waiting for the post-mortem results before they can prepare arrangements for the funeral.
The funeral will be in Khayelitsha.
Harare Police Station spokesperson Sgt Nosiphiwo Mntengwana confirmed the incident and cited that an inquest docket has been opened for investigation.