CAPE TOWN – A Kraaifontein mother died in a devastating house fire on Tuesday evening, the night before her son’s 20th birthday.

Mary Adams, 48, was killed when fire ripped through her home in De Novo on Tuesday evening, 21 July.

Kraaifontein police arrived at the scene in Old Paarl Road at about 22:40 and found her body inside a room with severe burn wounds. She was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. Police have opened an inquest docket.

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Her son, Dihanzo Adams, was at work when a friend called to tell him their house was on fire. He rushed home to the tragedy.

Instead of celebrating his 20th birthday the following day, he had to identify his mother’s body. Due to the severity of her burn injuries, he reportedly had to undergo a DNA test for formal identification.

Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed the incident.

The De Novo community has been left reeling by the loss.

“So sad, no one like mamma. May God comfort the son let her soul rest in peace,” Victoria Olunga wrote on social media.

Candice Goodman, wrote “That is so bad, just take it one day at a time,”, and Bulelani Buli shared his condolences, “Rest in peace beautiful lady. Sorry for losing mama on the day you were suppose to celebrate your birthday with her. It is painful. God is with you young man.”