After a brave attempt by two police officers to rescue a family from their burning home seemed to be successful, a 2-year-old girl, her 12-year-old brother and their father died in the tragic incident in Aliwal North during the early hours of this morning, July 16.
The officers, Cst. Siyabonga Tabane and Cst. Florince Nwabisa, were on duty at the CSC when they were alerted of a house on fire in Hunt Street at approximately 04:30.
Upon their arrival at the scene, they had to find a way over a devil’s fork fence and break windows to try and get into the house that was well secured with burglar proofing. Members of the fire department were also informed.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brig. Tembinkosi Kinana, said that is is alleged that an Ethiopian family was living in the house, comprising of the father, mother, three children and the nanny.
“The mother, nanny, the son and two daughters managed to be rescued from the house whilst the father was trapped in the house. The father, about 40-years-old, passed away inside the house and a son, about 12 years of age died at the scene. The daughter of two years passed on upon arrival at the hospital after they were rescued from the house,” Kinana explained. “The mother, nanny and a daughter managed to survive the tragic incident,” he added.
At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown and all specialised units have been summoned. Police have opened an inquest docket for further investigation.
Acting District Commissioner, Brig. Asogran Naidoo, has applauded the members’ admirable brave action that made it possible that some of the family members could be rescued. He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family.
