Police spokesperson Capt Mack Mngomezulu said the boy’s father had locked him in an outside room alone, with a candle burning, and gone out drinking.
It is believed the fire was sparked by the candle.
The boy, Lwandle Mahlobo, lived with mother in Daveyton and had been visiting his father in Gola Street, Wattville, at the time of the incident.
Mngomezulu said there is no electricity in the room.
The fire was discovered by family members who live in the main house at around 3am, but it was too late to save the child who, according to Mngomezulu, was burnt beyond recognition.
The police arrested the 29-year-old father for child neglect and a case of arson is being investigated.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
You can read the full story on our App. Download it here.
