Three children and adult female dies in shack fire

The community of Marathon informal settlement in Primrose mourns the death of three children and a woman who died in a shack fire.

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The incident occurred on May 1.

The young siblings, Nhlanhla Motaung (7), Sinothando (9) and Makhekhe (3) Mbatha, along with Nomahlubi Mafalala (44) were killed in the blaze.

William Ntladi, the media liaison of EMS, said the deceased was burnt beyond recognition in what has been described as a “gruesome fire”.

“The firefighters received the call at 23:13 on Sunday and responded. Fire stations from Primrose, Bedfordview and Albertina Sisulu in Kempton Park were in attendance with three fire engines,” said Ntladi.

“On arrival, several shacks were already destroyed by flames. Offensive direct fire suppression was initiated to prevent further spread,” he said.

He said they had to use the relay system in trying to extinguish the fire because of the narrow roads in the informal settlement.

“On investigation and after the fire had been extinguished, we received information of entrapment from bystanders. The three children and woman couldn’t escape the blaze,” said Ntladi.

“The children’s bodies were found together and it seemed like they were trying to protect each other from the blaze,” said Ntladi.

“It was established that the children’s mother was unable to return to the shack for the children after she managed to get her fourth child to safety,” he said.

“The children and woman from another shack were declared dead on the scene by paramedics. The children’s mother escaped with minor burn wounds,” said Ntladi.

Ntladi said the fire was suspected to have been caused by a paraffin stove left unattended in one of the shacks.

“Sixteen shacks were burnt to the ground,” said Ntladi.

An inquest docket was opened with the SAPS for investigations.

Illegal connections
Ntladi warned residents to refrain from using illegally connected electricity because it poses danger not only to residents but to firefighters as well.

He also urged the community to make use of the Public Information, Education and Relations (PIER) document.

“PIER focuses on pre-incident training and preparedness geared towards training the public to avoid all types of emergencies and disasters, and cope with them when they happen,” said Ntladi.

“Most importantly it is advised that informal settlement residents sleep with a bucket full of water and another with sand in case of a fire emergency,” said Ntladi.

Happy Xaba, a Marathon resident, told GCN that he cannot seem to forget the children’s screams as they were trapped inside the shack.

“The fire was strong – no one could go inside to rescue them,” he said.

“I still hear their screams in my head. We lived with these children every day,” said Xaba.

Xaba also said the fire destroyed all his possessions.

“We have no documents, clothes or food left nor a place to sleep. Our neighbours have been accommodating us temporarily,” said Xaba.

Zoliswa Sikhukhu, Ward 93 committee member serving in the portfolio of community safety, said the community was shocked and in desperate need of essentials and shelter.

She commended community members who have been instrumental in helping the victims of the fire.

“We have received 10 zozo’s (shacks) from the Department of Human Settlement. Social development and several local organisations also reached out by giving food parcels and clothes,” said Sikhukhu.

Sono Ndlovu, a Marathon businessman, has been offering the victims meals every day since the incident took place on Sunday.

Sikhukhu urged the community to show support by donating clothes, blankets and building materials.

To donate, contact Sikhukhu at 073 360 2197.