Five children died after six shacks were destroyed in a fire near Laudium on Sunday morning.

According to Tshwane emergency services spokesperson, Deputy Chief Charles Mabaso, the fire was reported at around 04:26 on Sunday morning in the Itireleng informal settlement near Laudium, Pretoria.

“Firefighters arrived on the scene to find multiple shacks on fire,” Mabaso said. “They started with firefighting operations immediately, but it was too late to rescue the five children, who were found after the fire had been extinguished, and were burnt beyond recognition.”

According to Mabaso, the victims of the fire were believed to be children of two sisters. “There were three boys, aged two, four, and six, and two girls, aged one and seven.”

Mabaso said the two mothers had allegedly left the children in one of the shacks the previous night to go out.

“At this time the two sisters have been arrested and were taken to a local police station for questioning. The circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire are being investigated.”

Mabaso said the Tshwane EMS is calling on all parents and caregivers to ensure that children are always left under the care of an adult and in a safe environment.