Cape Town - A mother and son perished in a fire in Lower Crossroads on Friday.
The two were said to be sleeping when a burning candle fell onto the floor and set the carpet alight, from where the blaze spread and engulfed their house, ward councillor Nceba Ntshweza said.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said Philippi East police registered an inquest for further investigation.
“Philippi police responded to a complaint on Friday, September 23. Fire and rescue services were called to the scene and extinguished the blaze.
“The bodies of a 29-year-old woman and her 5-year-old son were discovered. The victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel,” said Swartbooi.
Philippi ward councillor Ntshweza urged residents to be extremely cautious with burning candles.
“This is a very sad incident. The mother and her child died during the fire. People say the cause of the fire was a candle; it fell on the floor and burnt a carpet while the two were sleeping.
“A woman passer-by knocked and kicked the door, but the windows had burglar bars and were locked. It must be really sad for the families, losing two people at the same time.
“People should not leave their candles unattended, a burning candle is very dangerous. As the leadership we will try to assist with funeral arrangements and with whatever is needed,” Ntshweza said.
Cape Times