The Free State police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng said it is alleged the two-roomed house caught fire at around 07:20. A 32-year-old man sustained burn wounds on his face, hands and feet. “He was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment,” Thakeng added. It was around 08:30 when the Thabong Police were informed of the incident. However, members of the Welkom Flying Squad found the Fire Brigade and Ambulance at the crime scene. A case of arson is registered for further investigation. The entire household and personal items were burnt to ashes.

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This is not the first time a house burns to the ground in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. Mid-2022, three houses reportedly burned down in Welkom. It’s alleged that there were no fire trucks available during these fires and that the vehicle used to put out the fire was a bakkie that only carries 800 litres of water, usually used for veld fires. 

Meanwhile, the Matjhabeng Municipality's spokesperson, Kgojane Matutle, said the cause of the fire is unknown. It is, however, suspected that it was caused by power interruptions caused by load-shedding. He also confirmed that a life was lost during the cause of that incident.

It is alleged that there are not enough people at the Fire Department. Apparently, there are only three people working this weekend, while the majority who are supposed to be on duty have been given a weekend off. 

Neither the mayor nor the spokesperson of the municipality could be reached for comment by the time of publishing.

OFM News