A man and three of his children have died in a house fire in Vrygrond near Muizenberg.
Humphrey Nkhoma, his six-year-old Mbali, 11-year-old Onako and four-month old Chiyamiko all died when a fire destroyed their mortar and brick home.
The family was left dumbfounded. They woke up to the news that four of its members died in a fire in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The family and curious onlookers stood dazed as the covered little bodies of Mbali, Onako and Chitamiko were carried out of the house on a stretcher.
This was followed by their father Humphrey Nkhoma. The mother is the only survivor. She was not present when the fire started.
Brother of the deceased Themba Yona says:” We are not feeling all right as a family. We are very confused. Yesterday I was with him and I didn’t know that such a thing would happen today.”
Community members flocked to the scene as word of the tragedy began to spread.
Neighbour Naziema Arries says:”As a mother, I am much traumatised because of what happened. It’s a sad moment for each and every one of us who have family.”
The cause of the fire is undetermined at this stage.
Police are investigating the cause.
