MOSSEL BAY NEWS - While the 7de Laan community in KwaNonqaba is still reeling from the devastating fire that claimed the lives of two young siblings on Monday night, the family has asked for privacy and the space to grieve.
The bodies of a nine-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl were found among the burnt rubble of their home, which was razed to the ground, in an informal settlement in 7de Laan.
Their identities are known to Mossel Bay Advertiser, however, as per the family's request, they will not be named at this stage.
The two children attended St Blaize Primary and had each been enrolled there in Grade R. The boy was in Grade Two and the girl in Grade Six. A memorial service was held for the siblings at the St Blaize Roman Catholic Church yesterday, 9 May.
The boy's teacher, Dawn Frans, said he was a quiet and reserved learner, who was well mannered and always did his work. "He was passionate about rugby and always looked forward to the games. We [staff] and his classmates will miss him very much," she said.
The girl's teacher, Esmeralda Pheiffer, said she was hard working. "She consistently strove to do her best in class. She was kind and got along well with her friends. She was also a very talented netball player. Her absence will be deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. May her soul rest in eternal peace," said Pheiffer.
An inquest docket has been opened by the KwaNonqaba Police and the circumstances surrounding the fire and the deaths are being investigated.
According to reports by the KwaNonqaba Police, the Mossel Bay Municipality and some residents living near the home, the fire had started just after 23:00. The municipality said the Mossel Bay Fire Rescue and Disaster Management Services had arrived on the scene at 23:21, and the fire was extinguished by 23:50.
It was then that the siblings' bodies were found. They are survived by their mother and 14-year-old sister, as well as extended family members.
A few days earlier, on Thursday, 1 May, a house in Adriaans Avenue, opposite the Thusong Centre in KwaNonqaba, caught fire. There were no injuries. The fire was reported just before 09:00 and was extinguished just before 09:10.
That same day, just before 14:00, another structure fire was reported in Nofemela Street, KwaNonqaba. It was extinguished shortly after the fire services had arrived, and no injuries were reported.
Tips for preventing a structure fire
The Mossel Bay Municipality provided the following advice on how to avoid structure fires:
• Switch off all electrical appliances after use.
• Make sure matches are stored in a safe place.
• Avoid illegal/unsafe electrical connections.
• Store flammable substances in their original containers in a safe place.
• Gas and other heaters should be used as specified by the manufacturer.
• Switch off electric blankets before falling asleep.
• Have a family escape plan.
• Install smoke alarms in the home.
• Have the fire emergency number at hand (044 691 3722).
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