NATIONAL NEWS - Atteridgeville police are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman who were found burnt to death in a shack in Jeffsville two weeks ago.
The woman’s children managed to escape the fire and were now in the care of a local pastor, Wiseman Nazo.
According to Nazo, the woman had alleged that her boyfriend had demanded money to buy alcohol.
“When the mother told him she did not have the money, he locked the burglar door, took paraffin and poured it all over the shack before setting it on fire.
“The children managed to escape,” said Nazo.
The couple perished in the fire.
Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said the exact circumstances leading to the pair’s deaths would have to be determined during inquest proceedings.
Nazo said the children were getting better “but sometimes it is hard for them”.
“They came to me after they escaped the fire and since then they have been with me. They are getting better but sometimes it is very hard for them, especially when people come to offer condolences.”
Nazo said the children were also receiving professional help from social workers and community members who have also been donating clothes.
“We are still in need of donations for the children and assistance to bury their mother.
“We have arranged for the transportation of their mother’s remains to Eastern Cape, but we are still looking for donations for transport for the children and other youth members who have been supportive to them at this difficult time.”
Community activist Mashadi Mogolegwa said what happened in their community was “very difficult and frightening”.
“It is like we always have to expect bad news. You always expect someone to knock at your door or to call to inform you that someone has been murdered, raped, or kidnapped because this is the reality in Atteridgeville.
“We are not such a big township but the things that are happening here is our reality and it is a big deal to us because we live here with it.”
Mogolegwa said it was important “for everyone to play a part to raise awareness about gender-based violence to children that are being raised in the township and around the world”.
“It could go a long way if we could teach one child to teach another child about GBV. Eventually, we could reach the rest of the world.
“As parents, guardians and fellow community members, we fail to do that because everyone wants to mind their own business.”
