EASTERN CAPE – Eastern Cape Police Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Liziwe Ntshinga has learned with shock about five (5) people who were burnt beyond recognition. It is alleged that the five people were sleeping inside a family cafe at Mputhi Village, Dutywa. It is believed that the fire occurred on Saturday, 03 August 2019 at about 04:00. Four (4) of the deceased are family members namely an 18-year-old woman, 14-year-old boy, 7-year-old boy, 3-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman who was a family friend.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established at this point in time. The provincial commissioner has sent her condolences to both families who lost their beloved children. She has instructed Dutywa Police to properly investigate the case and leave no stone unturned. General Ntshinga has also noted with concern the tendency of family members who die in numbers at their homes in fire.

An inquest docket has been opened for further investigation by the Dutywa Police detectives. The identities of all the deceased people are still being withheld until all their family members are officially informed of their deaths.

Source: South African Police Service