The municipality’s spokesperson, McCaswe Khumalo, tells OFM News that the municipality will be helping with the burial arrangements, including giving free burial stands and mortuary services. He says the families of the deceased will be assisted through the District Municipality’s indigent scheme.

On Saturday morning, a couple and their friend died after a fire ravaged the shack they were all sleeping in. Khumalo says that the municipality will approach provincial departments, such as Social Development, to assist with food parcels. The funeral for the deceased is set to take place over the weekend.

The municipality, through the Ward Councillor, also discussed this with the Department of Home Affairs, for the family members to be speedily assisted with unabridged documents,” Khumalo adds.

OFM News previously reported that police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, said the three elderly people, aged 63, 55, and 53 years old, died in that fire 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 said the deceased were trapped inside and they burned to death.

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