CHRIS HANI DISTRICT – The South African Police Service detectives are investigating the cause of fire, after a Mission House of the Methodist Church in Askeaton locality burnt down during the night, 03 November 2022 in Cala.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a member of the community alerted the police to the burning house in which there were five people. As the police arrived, they indeed found the alleged house in the blaze with members of the family inside.

The fire fighters who were also at the scene managed to extinguish the blaze but the family could not be saved as they had already died inside the house. Only one person believed to be a domestic worker aged 28 was rescued. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical care.

The deceased family members include a husband and wife age 29 and 46, together with three children one girl and two boys aged between 3 and 11.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation. An Inquest docket has been registered.

Anyone with information regarding the cause of the fire, is requested to please make contact with Cala Police Station on  047 877 0132 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Tip-offs can be submitted by using the My SAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service