Ongwediva
Two children were burnt beyond recognition last Friday when a traditional thatch and stick hut in which they were sleeping caught fire and burnt to ashes.
The deceased were aged between one and three years.
It is reported that the brother and sister were alone in their mother’s hut when it caught fire. The incident occurred at Olukekete village near Outapi in Omusati Region on Friday evening. The hut was totally destroyed.
The cause of the blaze was not known although the mother of the deceased said that matches were left under her pillow in the hut. She speculated that the deceased might have played with the matches.
Police spokesperson for Omusati Region Warrant Officer Lineekela Shikongo said the mother left the children alone at home, while she went to a cuca shop.
“Upon arriving at the cuca shop she was told there was smoke coming out of her house and she quickly went back home. She found the two children burnt beyond recognition,” confirmed Shikongo.
Shikongo warned parents to refrain from leaving children alone at home and unattented.
“If elders go out they must either take the children with them, or leave them at the neighbours,” suggested the warrant officer.
The remains were taken to the Okahao police mortuary.