Richards Bay police in KZN have opened an inquest docket after two toddlers died in a house fire in Mandlazini over the weekend.

The fire occurred at the Msweli family residence at about midnight, allegedly after the children’s father had left the children at home alone with a burning candle for light.

Lwandle Majola (2) and eighteen-month-old Kwanele were declared dead at the scene.

Phase Two Mandlazini ward committee member Mthandeni Bukhosini confirms the incident after visiting the scene and pleads with the community to desist from leaving candles unattended.

He says the siblings, who lived with their father, died as a result of smoke inhalation because they could not open the door.

“Candles are regarded as one of the biggest dangers in our community. To leave children of this age locked alone in a house with a lit candle is negligence. I condemn this in the strongest possible terms,” says Bukhosini.