Polokwane – Police in Limpopo have opened an inquest following the tragic death of two young girls after a backroom caught fire in Tjatjaneng Village, Ga-Mothapo, outside Polokwane.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, when the children, aged three and five, were allegedly left alone in the room.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the girls were inside the backroom while their great-grandmother remained in the main house.
“Police in Mankweng have opened an inquest following the tragic death of two minor girls aged three and five after a backroom caught fire at Tjatjaneng Village, Ga-Mothapo, outside Polokwane on Saturday, 14 March 2026 at approximately 15:30,” SAPS said in a statement.
Preliminary reports indicate that the children’s grandmother had left the house earlier in the afternoon.
“According to preliminary reports, the grandmother allegedly left the house at around 14:00 to visit a nearby tuckshop, leaving the two children inside a backroom while their great-grandmother was in the main house,” police said.
#sapsLIM Police in Mankweng have opened an inquest following the tragic death of two minor girls aged three (03) and five (05) after a backroom caught fire at Tjatjaneng Village, Ga-Mothapo, outside Polokwane on, 14/03 at approximately 15:30.
According to preliminary reports,… pic.twitter.com/umb7UOHDJN
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 15, 2026
“While still at the tuckshop, she reportedly received information that the backroom had caught fire. She rushed back home and found community members attempting to extinguish the fire.”
The children were later found inside the room.
“Unfortunately, the two children were discovered inside the room on top of the bed, burnt beyond recognition.”
Authorities said the cause of the fire remains unknown.
“The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and investigations are ongoing,” police said.
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has expressed condolences to the grieving family and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
“Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has expressed deep sadness over the incident and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. She further ordered that a thorough investigation be conducted to establish the exact cause of the fire,” SAPS said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
