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'Boozing mother' to stand trial after her five children perish in fire

A mother who allegedly left her children unsupervised to drink in a tavern will be charged with negligence following the death of five siblings in a fire. A sixth child survived the shack fire after being saved by neighbours.

Potchefstroom police said on Monday that the police in Ramatlabama have registered a case of Inquest after five children aged between three and 16 years died due to fire burn.

The fire broke out in their shack at about 2am on Sunday‚ 31 January 2016.

“It is alleged that a 32-year-old woman left six children inside the shack and went to a tavern. The neighbours saw the shack burning and called for help‚” Police Sergeant Kelebogile Moleko said in a statement.

“The community members managed to rescue one child. However‚ five of them burnt beyond recognition.

 “The woman was then traced at the tavern and informed about the ordeal. Upon her arrival at the scene‚ she collapsed‚” Sgt Moleko said.

 “She was taken to hospital and will be charged with negligence as soon as she is discharged from hospital.”

 

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