Two-month-old baby dies in Nellmapius shack fire

Shack Fire Claims Life of Two-Year-Old in Nellmapius Area

In a recent tragic incident in the Nellmapius area, a two-year-old baby girl lost her life when a shack caught fire. This devastating event was one of several that occurred over the past week, leaving multiple families displaced.

Ward 86 councillor Kholofelo Kgopotso, who was present at the scenes, reported that a total of four shacks were completely destroyed by fire. The first fire occurred in Plot 61 Smith informal settlement, followed by another blaze in the backyard rooms of Nellmapius Ext 1.

At the site near the N4 Gateway, where the fatal incident took place, disaster management services responded to the tragedy. The cause of the fires remains unknown, as three more shacks were engulfed in flames across the two incidents.

The mother of the deceased two-year-old, Ntswaki Nthakong, recounted the heart-wrenching moment when she learned of the fire. She had been fetching water just a few meters away when neighbors alerted her to the blaze. Despite her efforts, community members prevented her from rescuing her daughter, and she was forced to watch helplessly as the fire claimed the child’s life.

Meanwhile, Tshidiso Radiapeng, the father of the young victim, expressed disbelief and sorrow over the loss, emphasizing that all their possessions, including passports, clothes, and furniture, were destroyed in the fire. The couple is now left with only the clothes on their backs and expressed gratitude for any support from the public.

In a separate incident, Tapfumanneyi Chikurunhe also fell victim to a fire that consumed his home while he was at work. Similarly, Chipo Rugodo, a mother with a seven-month-old baby, found herself homeless after her residence was destroyed in the blaze.

Councillor Khopotso swiftly responded to the emergencies, coordinating with disaster management to provide aid to the affected families. Despite temporary shelter arrangements, some families declined the offer, opting to seek refuge with relatives instead.

Khopotso appealed to local businesses and the community to extend assistance in any form possible to the families in need. For further information or to provide support, contact [email protected] or call 083 625 4114.

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Source: The Citizen