JULIA Keganedile (47) and her boyfriend Lucky “Roto” Mkhize (50) came home late on Friday night.
Their neighbour heard them talking and then everything went quiet.
Later he heard banging coming from the couple’s shack, and he got up to go and investigate.
Lucky Mathebula (45) of extension 5 in Cullinan, Tshwane, was shocked when he saw thick smoke coming from the shack.
“The two were banging on the zinc, hoping to attract attention.
“They were trapped inside and couldn’t find their way to the door,” said Lucky.
He tried to open the door but it was locked.
“I knew that time was running out and I decided to wake my other neighbour to come and help.
“But it didn’t help, we couldn’t open the door,” he said.
Lucky said other residents joined in and tried to put out the fire but the flames were too strong.
Firefighters were called but they couldn’t reach the area because it is too rocky.
Julia and Lucky burned to death.
Lucky said their bodies were found in their bed, burned beyond recognition.
Julia’s daughter, Maria (26), said her mother’s death has hit the family hard.
Julia had three children.
Police spokeswoman Constable Connie Moganedi confirmed the incident.
“A case of arson was opened for investigation,” said Moganedi.
She said the cause of the fire was still unknown.