Three young children, the youngest being 11 months old, died in a shack fire in Pendla Street, New Brighton, early this morning, September 5.
At approximately 06:15, the father of the children left for work and the mother allegedly left the sleeping children to go to a nearby shop. When she returned, she found the shack on fire and despite desperate attempts by the neighbours to save them, the fire was too intense and they died.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that the fire was extinguished by the fire department.
They were identified as Lanele Salaza (11-month-old boy), Thulani Salaza (5-year-old boy) and Lukuwe Salaza (3-year-old girl).
"The cause of the fire is not yet known and police are investigating an inquest," Naidu said.