SEBOKENG – Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor Hassan Mako has visited the scene in Zone 12 where a mother and her three children tragically lost their lives in a house fire.

The incident occurred in the early hours of June 20, while the family of five was asleep.

The 46-year-old mother woke her 39-year-old husband after sensing danger.

Suspecting an electrical fault, the husband went to investigate. However, as he walked towards the main electrical switch, a massive wall of fire erupted and rapidly tore through parts of the house.

The couple’s three children, two boys aged nine and six, and a five-year-old girl, became trapped in their bedroom.

Reports indicate that the children died from smoke inhalation before they could escape.

The mother also lost her life inside the burning property, while her husband managed to flee through the kitchen and survive.

During his visit, Mako was accompanied by Mayoral Committee Members Lehlohonolo Malindi and Jonas Radebe, alongside the ward councillor.

The group met with the grieving Dlamini family and local community members who are still reeling from the devastating loss.

According to mayoral spokesperson Mphikeleli Msibi, the executive mayor immediately mobilised his office upon hearing the news to engage relevant departments and start an urgent assessment of the incident.

“This morning’s visit formed part of a direct response to convey condolences personally, and to witness first-hand the scale of devastation that has left the Dlamini family shattered and the community in deep mourning,” Msibi said.

He added that the visibly moved mayor described the incident as a profound human tragedy that has left an unbearable void for the family and the wider Sebokeng community.

“We are deeply shaken by this loss. No words can truly capture the pain of a mother and three children taken in such a tragic manner. As a municipality, we stand with the Dlamini family in their darkest hour,” said Mako.

Following a brief inspection and meeting with the family, Mako confirmed that all relevant government departments will be activated to provide immediate and ongoing support.

This assistance will include psychosocial counselling, social relief interventions, and support to restore dignity to the bereaved household.

Sebokeng police spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane has confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened and investigations are currently underway.