3 young kids die in Mpumalanga fires
Police in Mpumalanga have warned parents against leaving their children unattended after three young kids perished in separate fires this past week.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdluli says the three children, who were between the ages of 3 and 8 all died in two separate incidents.
The 3-year-old died in a house fire in Siyathuka on Tuesday, while the 7 and 8-year-olds died last week Friday in Jerusalema, White River.
"Reports indicate that the victim and the siblings aged 7 and 9 years old were left alone by their mother in the shack where they stayed.
"When she returned from where she was she found the shack engulfed in flames and immediately called for help.
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"The other two children managed to escape the fire unharmed except the three year old."
The 7 and 8 year old were also left unattended while their uncle was visiting neighbours.
Mdluli says that the uncle was notified by neighbours that their house was burning down.
"According to information on police disposal, the two children who are said to be cousins were asleep in a house at Jerusalema White River whilst their parents were away.
"The uncle was notified by one of the neighbours that the spotlight at the house where the children were asleep was off.
"He then went to investigate and on his arrival he realised that the bedroom where the girls were was on fire.”
Police have opened a case of culpable homicide and child neglect.
