ALIWAL NORTH - SAPS members vow to keep communities safe and secure even if it means that you have to put your own life in danger.

This calling was displayed by Constable Siyabonga Tabane and Constable Florince Nwabisa in the early hours of this morning when the members on duty were alerted about a house that was on fire in Hunt Street in Aliwal North.

On the members’ arrival at the scene they had to make means to get over a devils fork fence and break windows to try and get into the house that was well secured with burglar proofing.

Members of the fire brigade were also informed.

It is alleged that a family comprising of a father, a mother and 3 children was living in the house. A nanny was also staying at the house at the time of incident.

The mother, the nanny, the son and 2 daughters managed to be rescued from the house whilst the father was trapped in the house.

The father who is 40-years-old and a 12-year-old son succumbed to injuries on the scene. A 2-year-old girl passed on upon arrival at the hospital.

The mother, nanny and a daughter managed to survive the tragic incident.

At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown and all specialized units have been summoned. The SAPS has opened an inquest docket for further investigation.

The acting District Commissioner Brig Asogran Naidoo has applauded the members’ admirable brave action that made it possible that some of the family members could be rescued. He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family.

Source: South African Police Service