A woman from Riemvasmaak Informal Settlement in Bethelsdorp burned to death after her shack went up in flames at the weekend.
According to police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, Nontozanele Margaret Mpongoshe (65) and her 62-year-old husband went to bed at approximately 19:00 on Saturday. About two hours later they woke and found their shack in Loder Crescent in flames.
“They unsuccessfully tried to douse the flames with water. Her husband managed to escape through a small window while his wife was trapped inside and couldn’t get out. The entire shack was destroyed,” Naidu said.
The cause of fire is unknown at this stage. Police have opened an inquest docket for investigation.
