A young couple from the Petsana informal settlement in Reitz is set to appear in the Reitz Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 5 May 2025, after being arrested for child neglect. This follows a heartbreaking incident in which their seven-month-old infant daughter and one-year-six-month-old son died in a shack fire.
Children Burned Beyond Recognition After Being Left Alone
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred on Saturday night, 3 May 2025, at approximately 22:45, when the couple allegedly left their two young children alone inside their shack to go out drinking. Tragedy struck when the shack caught fire, leaving the helpless children burned beyond recognition.
The couple, aged 23 and 25, were only alerted to the fire by a community member while they were still out. They rushed home, only to find their shack engulfed in flames and police and residents already at the scene. It was then that they realized they had left their children unattended.
Police Investigate Cause of Fire and Lay Charges
The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Police have opened a case of inquest and child neglect, with both parents formally charged with child neglect.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving minors unattended, especially in vulnerable housing structures,” said a police spokesperson.
The community of Petsana has been left devastated, with many residents expressing shock and anger at the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A Call for Parental Responsibility
Authorities are urging parents and guardians across South Africa to prioritize the safety of children, particularly in informal settlements where fire hazards are common.
If you suspect any form of child neglect or abuse, contact SAPS or your local child protection services immediately.