The gutted home in Shakashead, Stanger, where five children tragically lost their lives in an early morning fire.
Image: Supplied
Five children tragically lost their lives in a shack fire in Shakashead, early on Friday morning.
The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma confirmed the devastating incident, which claimed the lives of children aged between one and 19.
“Sadly, five children have died tragically in a shack fire in Shakashead, Stanger,” Duma said.
According to KwaDukuza Local Municipality’s Disaster Management team, the fire broke out at approximately 5.05am, IOL reported.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene to find the structure already engulfed in flames.
The victims have been identified as Asamkele Somtsewu, 19, Amila Menemene, 3, Sonwabise Noyila, 14, and one-year-old twins Sokhula Somtsewu and Solulele Somtsewu.
The children’s mother, Ntombovuyo Menemene, and one surviving child were rushed to hospital for treatment. The father, Sivuyile Noyila, sustained minor injuries.
The MEC commended the mother’s bravery during the ordeal.
“We salute the mother who saved the surviving child, Yana Menemene, 2.”
The remains of the five children have been taken by the South African Police Service Forensic Team as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
“We wish to express our deepest condolences to the surviving family members,” Duma said.
The department has moved swiftly to provide support to the affected family. The MEC confirmed ongoing engagement with local leadership.
“I am currently liaising with the Mayor of KwaDukuza Local Municipality Cllr Sduduzo Gumede following this incident,” said Duma.
A team from the Department of Human Settlements has been deployed to work alongside the municipality to assist the family.
“We have assigned a team from my office and department of human settlements to work with KwaDukuza Local Municipality to assist the affected family,” the MEC said.
“The team is currently meeting with the surviving father who will be provided with counselling.”
Authorities have not yet disclosed the suspected cause of the fire. Investigations remain under way.