FATHER and two children have lost their lives after their house caught fire on Friday, 15 July 2022 in Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape.
The father who is 40 years old and a 12-year-old son succumbed to injuries on the scene. A 2-year-old girl passed on upon arrival at the hospital.
Police spokeswoman Captain Ursula Roelofse said in a statement that police officers went beyond the call of duty to try and rescue occupants of the house that was on fire.
“On the members’ arrival at the scene, they had to make means to get 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 brigade were also informed.”
Roelofse added, “It is alleged that a family comprising of a father, a mother and 3 children was living in the house. A nanny was also staying at the house at the time of the incident.”
READ: Father and two sons die in shack blaze
She said at this stage the cause of the fire is unknown and all specialized units have been summoned. The SAPS has opened an inquest docket for further investigation.
The 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.