Cottage structure in question

THE condition and structure of the single cottage room where four trapped young children burnt to death in eSikhaleni last week, was under the spotlight during the municipal leader’s visit at the site on Friday.

Uthungulu Municipality Deputy Mayor Thulani Mashaba and uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor Vera Gumbi visited the cottage to see the damage and offer their condolences to the family.

Ntobeko (8), Syabonga (6), Nokuphiwa (3) and Mndeni Mthembu (2) were burnt to death during the fire, which police believed  was started by a candle left in a room by the mother.

The mother was reported to have been visiting her boyfriend at the time of the tragedy.

Neighbours and witnesses said they saw smoke coming from the room at about 9pm on Wednesday and tried to rescue the children.

‘It was difficult trying to break the burglar guards and the door down, but I managed to go inside and take the two children, unfortunately they died on the way to the clinic,’ said eye witness Sphesihle Myeni.

The other two children were trapped inside the room and were burnt beyond recognition.

During the leadership visit, it was discovered the structure of the room did not have any emergency exits and the ventilation was not placed correctly.

‘Even if these children had a way of escaping, it was impossible because of the way these cottages are built. Owners of rental cottages should ensure their rooms are safe and that people can exit in case of any danger. This room has just one small window, making it difficult for people inside to run for safety,’ said uThungulu Deputy Mayor Thulani Mashaba.

3 JANUARY 2014

Inquest docket opened

POLICE are investigating the death of four children in eSikhaleni on Wednesday night.

Empangeni police spokesperson Mbongeni Mdlalose said the mother had left the children alone in the room before the fire broke out. Mdlalose said police rushed to the scene and the fire department was also called out.

‘When police got there, the two children in the house were already burnt beyond recognition and the other two passed away on the way to the clinic.

‘An inquest docket has been opened and the eSikhawini police are busy with the investigation,’ he said.

eSikhawini SAPS spokesperson Lt Thembinkosi Mkhumane said on Thursday no one had been arrested regarding the incident.

It is believed the mother locked them in a room before she went to visit her boyfriend in the area.

According to the police, since there was no electricity, they believe the fire was started by a candle that was left in a room.
Neighbours and witnesses told the Zululand Observer they saw smoke from the room and tried to break the door down, in an attempt to save the children.
‘I managed to go inside and took out two children, who were rushed to the nearest clinic,’ said eye witness Sphesihle Myeni, who sustained minor bodily burns during the rescue.

2 JANUARY 2014

Children die in New Year fire

FOUR children perished in a house fire in J1 Section, Mzingwenya eSikhaleni last night.

It is believed the blaze was started by a candle at about 9pm on Wednesday.

The children aged between four and seven were alone in the house at the time of the tragedy.

Two of the children were trapped in the house and burnt to death, the other two children were rushed to a nearby clinic, but died later.

Update to follow