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A couple dies in a shack fire that happened at Sweet Homes Farm in Philippi on Sunday, 12 January. Photo by Misheck Makora
RESIDENTS from Sweet Homes Farm in Philippi are terrified following the death of a couple in a shack fire on Sunday, 12 January.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 1am.
Neighbour Noluthando Mhambi said she last saw the couple drinking wine on Saturday night, 11 January.
Later, they cooked and ate pap and meat.
“They drank till late. It was only around 11pm when they slept. Two hours later, we saw flames coming from their shack,” Noluthando said.
Abahlali tried to help by kicking the door to break it so they could save the two lovebirds, but it was already too late.
Residents told the SunTeam they heard the couple screaming for help as they tried to open the door, but it was locked from inside.
“It’s sad that we couldn’t help them. These are my neighbours, and they have been renting the shack for more than a year. It’s painful that we couldn’t save them,” Noluthando said.
Residents say after firefighters extinguished the blaze, the couple’s bodies were found in the debris. Photo by Misheck Makora
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Another community member Melikhaya Mkhangeli said their efforts were all in vain.
“We tried, but it didn’t work, so we’re sad this couple died a painful death,” said Melikhaya.
Residents said after firefighters extinguished the blaze, the couple’s bodies were found in the debris.
Residents suspect the fire could have started from a cigarette stompie.
“The lady was a smoker, but the boyfriend didn’t smoke at all. They were renting at the place where they died,” said another resident.
Police spokesman Warrant Offer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident.
He said police attended the scene early Sunday morning.
“Samora Machel police were busy with patrols on Sunday, 12 January 2025. They responded to a complaint in Sweet Home Farm informal settlement around 3.15am and found two unidentified bodies.
“The victims were declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. A postmortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Samora Machel police registered an inquest for further investigation,” Swartbooi said.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS application anonymously.
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