Central SA
Support offered to Bloemfontein family who lost children in fire─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 12:05 Fri, 17 Oct 2025
The Free State Department of Social Development has offered support to the family of two children who died after sustaining severe burn wounds.
On Monday (13/10), the mother reportedly left her three children unattended at a residence in Caleb Motshabi, in an area known as Mahana Puso, Bloemfontein. Upon her return, she discovered that the children had been burned.
Two of the children, aged one and three, later died from their injuries, while the eldest, aged eight, survived.
The department confirmed that social workers have been deployed to provide psychosocial care and support to the bereaved family. The only surviving child will receive specialised care and counselling.
Free State Social Development MEC Mathabo Hlalele expressed her sadness over the incident.
“We send our condolences to the family of the children who died in the fire last night. It is heartbreaking that such young lives were lost in this manner,” she said.
Strengthening community safety
Hlalele said the tragedy highlights the need to strengthen programmes such as parenting support, child protection, and Molo Makhelwane, which aim to build safer, more inclusive, and socially cohesive communities.
She also called on community members and local authorities to make use of all available resources to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.
The children’s mother is expected to appear in court on Monday (20/10) on charges of negligence.
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