NATIONAL NEWS - A couple from the Petsana informal settlement in Reitz in the Free State has been arrested following a tragic shack fire that claimed the lives of their two young children.
Bloemfontein Courant reports that the victims, a seven-month-old girl and an 18-month-old boy, were burnt beyond recognition after being left alone in their home while their parents, aged 23 and 25, allegedly went out drinking on Saturday night.
According to police, the fire broke out at approximately 22:45.
While at a local tavern, the couple was alerted by a community member that their shack was ablaze.
They rushed home, only to find emergency services and distraught residents already on the scene. It was allegedly only then that they realised their children had been left behind.
Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed the arrests. “The parents allegedly left the children unattended in the shack while they went out drinking. This gross negligence led to a devastating outcome. The children were found burnt beyond recognition.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Police have opened an inquest and a case of child neglect.
The couple is expected to appear in the Reitz Magistrate’s Court today.
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