FIRE TRAGEDY

SHACK FIRE VICTIMS LAID TO REST

EMOTIONS ran high yesterday, at the funeral service of seven family members who died in a shack fire in Reagile, Koster.

Boitumelo Mafoko, 48, her five children – Debogang Mafoko, 21, Boikanyo Mafoko, 19, Manga Mafoko, 5, Mpopo Mafoko, 3, Koketso Mafoko, 2, and grandchild, four-month-old Sanga Mafoko – died when their shack caught fire in the early hours of last Saturday. The fire is suspected to have been caused by an unattended candle.

Neighbours and family members cried as seven coffins entered the yard where they lost their lives in the Senthumule informal settlement.

The coffins were later taken to the grandparents’ home and the sports ground, where the service was held.

Two family members were given immediate medical attention after one cried and lost consciousness.

North West Premier Professor Job Mokgoro said the manner in which the Mafoko family died should be a reminder to the government to work hard to provide services to the people.

“This has made us as government more aware of the living conditions of our people. This is a promise as the leader of the people to begin providing for our people,” he said.

Family representative Martha Dinake said they were still trying to accept the situation.

North West Social Development MEC Hoffman Galeng said a house would be built for the two surviving boys. They were not at home when the fire started. One was sleeping at a friend’s place and the other went to sleep at his grandparents’ home. The two boys have been left in the care of their grandparents.