A few of the Petsana Informal Settlement in Reitz was arrested after a tragic hut that claimed the lives of their two young children.
The victims, a seven -month -old baby girl and a one -year -old boy, were burned outside of recognition after they were left alone in their house, while their parents, 23 and 25 years old, reportedly drunk on Saturday evening 3 May 2025.
According to the police, the fire broke out at around 22:45. While in a local tavern, the couple were warned by a member of the community that their cabin was on fire. They hurried home, just to find emergency services and distraught residents who are already on site. Then they realized that their children had been left behind.
Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed the arrests. “The parents would leave the children in the hut without supervision while they went out to drink. This gross negligence led to a devastating outcome. The children were burned without recognition.”
The cause of the fire remains investigated. The police have opened an investigation and a case of neglect of children.
The couple are expected to appear today before the court of the Reitz -Magistraat.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
Network News
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