Home News Another Ritchie resident dies in a fire

Another Ritchie resident dies in a fire

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The deceased’s father died in a fire in the same house last year.

While Ritchie residents are still mourning the death of Hannalie van Wyk, her son Alexandra Fluks, 7 and four-year-old daughter Liezel “Vroutjie” Fluks another person lost their life in a fire in the early hours of Saturday morning. File image. Picture: Soraya Crowie

The Modderriver Police have opened an inquest docket after a man’s body was found in a house in Phelindaba in Ritchie on Saturday morning.

Community member Klaas Sekgabo said the deceased “Maxie” Potswane was visiting his mother at her home when a fire erupted during the early hours of Saturday morning.

“The water supply was switched off overnight and neighbours were unable to put out the blaze. They managed to rescue the deceased’s mother from the burning house. She is currently receiving medical treatment in the intensive care unit.”

He added that the deceased’s father had died, after the same family home caught alight, last year.

“The deceased leaves behind two young children and his wife who reside in Phelindaba. It is painful that another Phelindaba resident has lost his life.”

Hannalie van Wyk along with her son Alexandra Fluks, 7 and four-year-old daughter Liezel “Vroutjie” Fluks died two weeks ago after their shanty burnt down in Phelindaba.

While neighbours managed to rescue Liezel, from the burning inferno, she died on September 4, after sustaining severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

Sekgabo added that they were collecting funds as they wanted to establish a playground in the area, in honour of Liezel.

Police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana on Saturday said the Modderriver Police had opened an inquest docket into the death.

“A woman believed to be the mother of the deceased was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. She sustained burn wounds.”

He indicated that the cause of the fire was unknown.

“It is alleged that the incident happened on Saturday morning at approximately 1.20am. The investigation continues.”

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