BARRAGE – A 46-year-old man tragically burned to death when his shack went up in flames in the early hours of July 27.

Mokhethi Xaba, known in the Barrage informal settlement as a dedicated patroller, died a horrific death after a candle reportedly sparked a deadly blaze that consumed his two-room shack.

According to residents, Xaba had just been dropped off at home when the fire started. Moments later, smoke and flames lit up the night sky, drawing desperate neighbours to the scene.

When Ster arrived on the scene, the grim aftermath of the inferno was visible. Xaba’s shack had been reduced to rubble, with twisted metal bicycle frames, scorched mattress springs, and blackened household items scattered across the yard.

His shack stood just a few feet from his neighbour’s, which was also affected by the fire.

Speaking to Ster, with his voice filled with emotion, Fannie Xaba, brother to the deceased, said the family is failing to come to terms with Mokhethi’s demise.

“We learnt about the incident hours after it happened from his neighbours, who called the family about our brother’s death. It pains us how he passed on, especially learning that he was burnt beyond recognition,” he said.

“Our family is struggling to come to terms with Mokhethi’s incident. We have so many unanswered questions about what really might have happened. All we know is that he was left in his shack by friends who lit a candle for him before they left,” he added.

“What happened after that is what we wonder about all the time. Did the candle fall? Did he fall on the candle? These are some of the questions that linger in our minds as we try to understand what happened,” said Xaba.

Describing his brother, Fannie said, “He was an understanding person. We all know him as a funny person who loved joking around.”

Barrage police spokesperson Sergeant Sophia Gaboutlwelwe said an inquest has been opened and investigations are underway.