Mother Allegedly Locked Children Inside Before Leaving
A devastating fire in Kalksteenfontein on Monday evening claimed the lives of two young sisters, Janecke Gross (4) and Nicolia Gross (7). Their grandmother is in critical condition after attempting to rescue them.
The fire broke out in Soetkop Street while the children were inside a wendy house. According to neighbors, their mother had allegedly locked them inside and left with their baby sibling. When the fire was noticed, it was already too late to save the girls.
Neighbors Witness the Tragedy Unfold
Mauricia Sondagh, a neighbor, recounted the heartbreaking moment her son discovered the fire. “He went to call the girls for supper and saw the flames. He ran back shouting, ‘Mommy, come help, it’s burning!’” she said.
Efforts to save the children were futile. Their grandmother bravely rushed inside to rescue them but was overwhelmed by the flames. She had to be pulled out through the roof and is now in critical condition.
Residents claim this was not the first time the mother had locked the children inside alone. Shockingly, when the community alerted her about the fire, she allegedly threw the house key and continued walking away, without returning to check on her daughters. She has not been seen since.
Firefighters and Authorities Respond
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, led by spokesperson Jermaine Carelse, confirmed that emergency teams were alerted at 7:10 PM. Crews from Epping and Bellville arrived at the scene to find two informal structures ablaze.
By 8:30 PM, firefighters had managed to extinguish the flames. Two informal structures were completely destroyed, while two formal dwellings were partially damaged. The remains of the two sisters were found beneath the debris.
Investigation Underway
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a spokesperson for the police, stated that an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
This heartbreaking incident has left the community in shock, with many calling for justice for the two young lives lost.