Four children burnt to death

A woman has been arrested after her four children burnt to death in a house in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, yesterday, the Gauteng department of social development said.

“Although details are still sketchy, it is believed that the mother left the children unattended throughout the night,” said department spokesperson Mbangwa Xaba.

“Preliminary reports suggest swift action by the South African Police Service as the mother is reportedly arrested. It is believed that among other charges, she will face negligence charge.”

Xaba said social workers were at the scene of the accident to investigate the circumstances that led to the deaths of the children whose ages were still unknown.

Gauteng social development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza expressed shock and sadness at the accident.

Mayathula-Khoza was expected to visit the scene soon and brief Gauteng Premier David Makhura to determine the next course of action by the province. – ANA