Twins among 5 children killed in shack fire in KZN

Shack remains after the fire. Picture: KZN Department of Transport Five children have died in a devastating shack fire in Shakashead, Stanger, in the early hours of Saturday morning. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma confirmed the tragedy on Saturday, describing the incident as “tragic” and extending his condolences to the grieving family.

According to KwaDukuza Local Municipality’s Disaster Management team, the fire broke out at about 5am. “They found the shack engulfed in flames,” the team said. The remains of the five children were taken by the South African Police Service (Saps) forensic team for investigation.

The deceased have been identified as Asamkele Somtsewu (19), Amila Menemene (3), Sonwabise Noyila (14), and one-year-old twins Sokhula Somtsewu and Solulele Somtsewu. One child and the mother, Ntombovuyo Menemene, were rushed to the hospital following the blaze. The father, Sivuyile Noyila, sustained minor injuries.

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Duma paid tribute to the mother for her bravery during the incident. “We salute the mother who saved the surviving child – Yana Menemene (2),” he said. The surviving father is currently receiving support from provincial authorities.

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