A house fire left four minors orphaned in Tumahole over the weekend.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomela Kareli, Tumahole police members were called to Zone 6 on Sunday, 30 June at around 06:00 to assist with a burning house.

Members rushed to the scene and discovered that the six children, aged between 3 and 13, were already rescued by neighbours. Their parents were also pulled from the fire.

Emergency medical service personnel rushed the 34-year-old mother to the local hospital where she sadly passed away. Her 40-year-old husband who was admitted at the Parys hospital, died on Tuesday, July 2.

Kareli said police opened a case of arson, murder and attempted murder and investigations will continue.