A devastating shack fire claimed the lives of four-month-old twin boys in the Hashtag informal settlement in Ikageng late on Monday night, July 6, while community members have raised serious concerns over what they describe as delays in the emergency response.

Ikageng police are investigating an inquest after officers responded to reports of a shack fire shortly before midnight. By the time emergency personnel arrived, the shack had already been completely destroyed.

The twins’ parents both sustained burn injuries in the blaze. The father suffered severe burns and was transferred to Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp for further treatment, while the mother, who was treated for shock and minor burns, was discharged from hospital on Tuesday, July 7.

According to North West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the charred remains of the four-month-old twin boys were discovered among the debris while police were processing the scene.

“The occupants of the shack, an adult male and his wife, sustained burn injuries and were treated by Emergency Medical Rescue Services before being transported to a local hospital. During the processing of the scene, the charred remains of four-month-old twin boys were discovered among the debris,” said Myburgh.

The fire was extinguished by the JB Marks Fire Brigade. The cause of the fire has not yet been established and remains under investigation.

However, Evodia Setlhare of the Solidarity Action Committee Collective alleged that the tragedy may have had a different outcome had emergency services responded sooner.

According to Setlhare, residents struggled to get hold of emergency services, claiming calls went unanswered while the fire spread.

“The family could have retained part of their home, or their children could have still been alive,” she said.

Setlhare added that the tragedy has left the community outraged, with many residents expressing frustration over what they believe is ongoing neglect of informal settlement communities.

The grieving family has now lost both their children and their home and is in urgent need of financial assistance to bury the twins and rebuild what was destroyed.

Those wishing to assist can contact Gift Mashaba of the Solidarity Action Committee Collective on 069 580 0175.

As winter temperatures continue to drop, police have urged residents to exercise extreme caution when using candles, paraffin stoves, heaters and other open flames.

Authorities also reminded the public never to leave heating devices unattended, to keep flammable materials away from heat sources, and to ensure adequate ventilation when making fires indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation.