A seventh member of the Shweni family succumbed to her injuries in hospital on Monday 31 July.
The member, whose details have not been published, was taken to hospital after six family members (Zukiswa Shweni(60), Nyameka Shweni (49), Anele Ngqoshela (31), Avela Shweni (7), LelokuhleShweni (2) and Liyolatha Shweni (11 months) died in a fire on Saturday 29 July.
Harare Police Station spokesperson Sgt Nosiphiwo Mntengwana confirmed the seventh death. “I can confirm that the seventh member of the Shweni family who was injured in the shack fire also died on Monday in hospital,” said Mntengwana.
Khayelitsha Development Forum secretary Nkosinathi Veza described the incident as tragic.
Veza, who is heading a task team that has been established to work with the family, said they have received some assistance.
“We are really working hard to assist the family in whatever way. We already managed to get help from one of the Samaritans who provided them with a wendy house to stay. That was our priority so that when people want to visit the family they can know where to find them,” said Veza.
He said they are trying so hard to push for the post-mortems to be finalised soon.
“Our aim is for the deceased to be buried as soon as possible because their bodies are not in the right state. But for now, the family has not planned anything yet,” he stated. However, he appealed for support from local businesses for the family to bury the deceased.