Police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, confirms that three elderly people, aged 63, 55, and 53 years old, died after the shack they were sleeping in caught fire on Saturday morning at 01:30. The incident took place in extension 5, known as Palestine. A resident from the vicinity where the victims died, says the news has since sent shock waves through the community. Botma says the deceased were trapped inside and they burned to death. 

“On Saturday night, 24 July 2021, a family was sitting around a fire in the shack at Lebaleng in Makwassie and allegedly left the fire burning when going to sleep,” she adds.

The deceased has since been identified as 55-year-old Serame Matsheke, 53-year-old Kediemetse Matsheke, and 63-year-old David Togo.

It’s not yet known what led to the deadly fire. Investigations continue.

OFM News