OFM News previously reported that the children, aged between 2 and 4 years old, were found dead after they had allegedly suffocated in an old car in which they were playing. 

The children were under the care of their 72-year-old grandmother, who went in search of her grandchildren after she could not find them. 

The deceased, Lesedi Mguni (3), Jwalane Goodness (3), Mojalefa Mokoena (4) and Lerato Tshabalala (2), were eventually discovered by a family member and certified dead by emergency services personnel. 

During the funeral ceremony of the four children, which was held on Sunday 30 October 2022, Premier Ntombela said that in the next financial year, the government will build a community hall in Petsana in memory of the four children. 

This was after stating that she was extremely saddened by the incident. Ntombela conveyed her condolences to the families.

ALSO READ: Four children found dead inside old car in Reitz

 "The tragedy which befell the families is difficult to fathom and undoubtedly unbearable to them. Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare, and I can only imagine what they are going through.

"I call upon all people in the province to keep the families in our prayers as they come to terms with this devastation. We wish them strength during this difficult time and may God's love and mercy shine on them," Premier Ntombela said.

Free State teacher Matefo Mphosela (35), who was fatally stabbed by a 21-year-old learner on the night of Thursday 20 October 2021 in Soutpan, was also laid to rest this past weekend. 

The school principal, Nameng Sehloho, earlier said the school had lost "a consummate educator, a fountain of knowledge and a paragon of the noble teaching profession".

ALSO READ: Free State police investigate murder of Soutpan teacher

Ntombela raised concerns over the overwhelming cases of gender-based violence (GBV), condemned acts of this nature and encouraged communities to take a firm stance against perpetrators of GBV. 

OFM News