Deelpan residents reeling from shock after six die in shack fire

02 May 2016 - 14:47 By Boitumelo Tshehle

Villagers in Deelpan near Sannieshof in the North West are still reeling from shock after six members from the same family died in a shack fire. Michael Mogale‚23‚ Mokatse Mogale‚22‚ Shepang Mogale‚10‚ and their two cousins‚ Bokamoso Mogale‚8‚ and Lerato Mogale 5‚ died when their shack caught alight in the early hours of Sunday while they were sleeping.North West police spokesman Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said a three-year–old toddler‚ Olebogeng Mogale‚ had survived but had had to be admitted to the Gelukspan hospital with burn wounds.“According to the information‚ some of the family members left a burning candle and a paraffin stove on before going to sleep. At this stage we cannot confirm if the fire was caused by the stove or the candle‚” he said.North West premier Supra Mahumapelo has expressed condolences to the Mogale family.“Our thoughts are with the Mogale family during this difficult time. May they be comforted as they come to terms with this tragic loss‚” said Mahumapelo.Mahumapelo confirmed that disaster management teams from the provincial Local Government and Human Settlements Department as well as the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality had visited the scene to assess the damage.The shack and its contents were apparently completely destroyed in the blaze.-TMG Digital/Sowetan..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.