GQEBERHA - Three children from Pendla Street in New Brighton, lost their lives this morning when the shack that they were sleeping in, caught fire and they burned to death.

It is alleged that at about 06:15, the father of the children left for work and the mother left the sleeping children to go to a nearby shop. On her return, she found the shack on fire and despite desperate attempts by the neighbours to save them, the fire was too intense and they died.

The fire was extinguished by the fire brigade. The children, an 11-month-old boy, 5-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl were positively identified.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and police are investigating an inquest.

Source: South African Police Service