DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has urged the police to diligently find the cause of a fire that killed two children in Nqabeni Village, Harding, in southern KZN today.
Khoza expressed her shock after the two siblings burnt to death.
Melokuhle Madiya, 5, and her sibling, Hlelolwenkosi Madiya, 7, died after a fire broke out in a stationary vehicle in their yard.
Attempts to rescue the children from the inferno were in vain, as the doors could not be opened.
The cause of the fire is yet to be established.
Khoza sent her condolences to the bereaved family of the children.
“We are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. It is heartbreaking to learn how they died, after being unable to escape from the blaze,” she said.
Khoza said she had immediately dispatched a team of social workers to counsel the family members. “Our social workers will give ongoing trauma and bereavement counselling to the family,” she said.
The MEC added that it was crucial for families to ensure constant adult supervision of their children while they are playing.
“We have seen a number of children die so horribly in this province. We want to plead with our communities to ensure that they don’t keep these old vehicles in their yards to avoid this type of incident,” she said.
Khoza said the matter was in the hands of the SAPS, who are investigating the incident.
“We hope the police will be able to shed light on what caused the fire that claimed the lives of these children. This is a very painful incident to deal with, and we will do whatever we can to ensure that the family and all those affected find closure,” she said.
uMuziwabantu Municipality’s mayor Siboniso Zungu expressed shock and disappointment when he got the news.
He also warned parents and guardians to be vigilant at all times.
“Many accidents can occur in our yards and in the vicinity of our homes. Unsupervised children are prone to fall victim to this, whether it be a hole in the yard or old cars, you name it.
“It is important for children to be properly supervised to avoid a similar incident and loss of life in the future,” he said.
THE MERCURY