Pic: Courtesy of (Surrey.police.uk)

BY Obakeng Maje

Three children aged 3, 6 and 9 years died on fire this morning 17June 2012 at about 07:10 at Christ Hani informal settlement near Wolmaransstad.

It is alleged that the mother of the two girls who are 3 and 6 years, left them with a nine-year-old kid who was visiting the family, a neighbours daughter.

She is reported to have gone out to fetch water and the paraffin stove was on at the time. It is suspected the stove is the cause of the fire.

“According to the information received the mother locked the door when she left to fetch water, it was the neighbours that saw the shack burning and went to try and save the little children who were locked inside, but all attempts failed” Brigadier Ngubane said.

The three children burnt beyond recognition.

Police were called to the scene and a case of arson was registered with the Wolmaransstad Police Station.

 The 41-year-old mother arrived later and found the three children were already dead.  The mother was taken to hospital for shock, she was later taken to the police station for questioning.

 Police investigation continues.