Langa Tragedy: Mother And Three Children Killed In Early-Morning Informal Settlement Fire

A mother and her three young children lost their lives after being trapped inside their home during a devastating blaze that tore through the Siyahlala Informal Settlement in Langa.

The fire erupted at around 4am on Monday, claiming the lives of 38-year-old Asavela Seti, her one-year-old twin daughters, and her five-year-old son before they could escape.

City Fire and Rescue Services said an estimated 15 structures were destroyed in the incident, leaving several families displaced.

Family members described the loss as unbearable. Asavela’s sister, Pumza Seti, said the tragedy has left them shattered.

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“We got the news after 4am that my sister’s place was burning and that she and her children were still inside,” she said. “I also live in Siyahlala Informal Settlement, so I am not far from her, and we rushed to her place. It is very bad, and we are all sad.

“This is devastating for our family; it is a lot on top of us at the moment, losing our sister and also her children. This is not a nice feeling.

“Asavela was a single mother and unemployed, but she was the most kind-hearted person. She was a good person and one of the nicest people in the family. We lost a very kind person and we are going to miss her.”

Fire Destroys 15 Structures and Leaves Families Displaced

Community leader Andisa Velaphi said residents are still unsure what sparked the blaze, though a candle is suspected.

“We do not know what started the fire, but we are assuming that it was a candle, but we are not sure,” he said. “I got a call in the early hours of the morning from a resident who said that a fire broke out, and when I arrived on the scene, the firefighters were still busy fighting the fire.

“They said that there is an adult and three children who passed away in the fire. Usually this time of the year, we have fires breaking out in Siyahlala informal settlement.”

Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that emergency teams responded shortly after 4am.

“Just after 4am on Monday the 1st of December, we received calls of structures alight, with people trapped inside, in the Siyahlala Informal Settlement, in Langa. Several crews were on scene and firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 6.30am.

“Initial estimates are that 15 structures were destroyed, leaving several displaced. Sadly, an adult female and three minors were found with fatal burn wounds under the debris.

“The South African Police Service will investigate the circumstances around this incident.”

Police Launch Inquest Into Fatal Fire

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said an inquest has been opened following the discovery of the victims’ bodies.

“The victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The cause of the fire is yet to be established,” Twigg said.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide anonymous tips through the MySAPS mobile app.

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