The village of Itsani Tshisahulu outside Thohoyandou has been plunged into mourning with the mysterious death of three young siblings in a house fire.
The children, identified as Vhulenda Mbengeni (2), Phathutshedzo Nobela (3) and Vhugala Nobela (4), had been left playing near their one-room home when their mothers, who are sisters, went out. One had travelled to Sibasa for her final parole signing, while the other visited relatives nearby.
It is suspected the children may have found a box of matches and started a fire inside the house. The blaze broke out at around 11:00 on Friday, 29 August.
Their grandfather, Mr Caldon Nobela, said he had just returned from working at a local irrigation scheme when he had received the devastating news.
"I rushed there to find the room engulfed in flames. There was no water, and neighbours were trying with buckets, but the fire was too strong. When it was finally put out, the children were burnt beyond recognition. We are very devastated as a family. We don't even know how we are going to bury them, as the mothers and the whole family are unemployed. We are surviving only through the goodwill of neighbours," he said.
Community leader Mr Mike Gumula urged parents to be more vigilant.
"The incident has shocked the whole community. Such tragedies can be avoided if we take better care of young children. Government grants could be used to enrol them at crèches. Their deaths have robbed us of future leaders. As a community we must rally around the family to ensure the children receive a decent send-off," he said.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that inquests had been opened.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that the kids were playing near the house, but it is unclear how they ended up inside. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Provincial Commissioner has directed that experts be brought in to assist. There is also a possibility that the mothers could face charges for failing to care for the minors. Investigations are continuing," he said.