Disabled child burned to death

A cloud of sadness still hangs around Ha-Matsa Village, following a tragic and very mysterious incident in which a 10-year-old disabled child was burnt to death while sleeping.

Shonisani Ramufhi allegedly burnt to death while sleeping at her family home last Wednesday. The family suspect that an electric fault might have been the cause of the fire.

W/O Lazarus Netshidzati of the Mphephu police confirmed the incident. He said it occurred at about 17:45. "We were called by members of the community, and when we got to the scene, the house was burning. The child, who was asleep when it all happened, burnt to death inside the house," said Netshidzati.

He added that an inquest docket had been opened with the police. "Members of our detective team are busy conducting an investigation. I believe that investigation will reveal what might have happened exactly," he said.

The contents of one of the rooms in the six-roomed house was destroyed by the fire. Shonisani´s charred remains were later removed by forensic pathologists for a post mortem.

Residents said that they were taken by a suprise and still shocked following the incident. Mr Samuel Ramufhi, the child´s father, said: "She was an innocent child and did not deserve to die like that. I am still shocked."

According to Ramufhi , the family does not even have enough money to bury Shonisani. No one is working in the family and Shonisani´s mother, who is also disabled, only depends on a disability grant for a living. "I want my child to be buried with dignity," said Ramufhi.

Meanwhile, Eskom´s spokesperson, Mr Thiofhi Ratshitanga said that members of the Eskom´s investigating team is busy conducting investigation on the incident. "I also want to appeal to the people to continue treating electricity with respect," he added.

Cllr John Mamafha of Ward 35 said that he was busy interacting with businesspeople in the area in an effort to assist the family. He added that he was also engaging the municipality in this regard.

Anyone who can assist can contact the family at 076 390 6981.

Date:02 September 2011

By: Peter Muthambi

Peter Muthambi graduated from the University of Venda with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies. He started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror as well as national papers in 2006. He loves investigative journalism and is also a very keen photographer.

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