Three-year-old, Nomsa Nkosi’ body was devoured by the fire that is said to have been caused by a lit candle that fell from a kitchen table at around 21:00. At the time of the fire there were two people in the two roomed house, the grandfather and the toddler. The candle apparently fell when it was knocked over by the grandfather as he slumped over in sleep at the table. The grandfather, however, was not aware that the toddler was in the house sleeping when he ran to safety wearing a blanket that subsequently caught fire.

“The child’s mother and grandmother had taken food to people at another plot nearby,” said police spokesperson, Sergeant Nombulelo Mohlakoana. Mohlakoana said the grandfather only become aware of the child’s presence when he heard her screams from inside the burning house. He could not re-enter the house due to the ferocity of the flames. Police said they suspect no foul play, investigations continue.