Staff Reporter
A Welkom woman and her two children were burnt to death after the shack they were sleeping in caught fire in the early hours of Friday morning.
A police statement said neighbours heard screams from a house in Tau Street, Thabong Township, and went out to investigate.
“They noticed that a shack was burning and they tried to extinguish the fire,” read part of the brief statement.
It said firefighters were also contacted and, after the fire was extinguished, three burned bodies were found.
“The bodies were identified as that of a 20-year-old mother and her two children, both girls, aged four and one,” the police said.
An inquest has since been opened for further investigation into the matter.
In a separate statement, the police said the 10111 Command Centre in Bloemfontein has been temporarily closed again for decontamination after another case related to COVID-19 was detected.
Access to the number will however not be disrupted as the centre will operate from the old 10111 Building.
“Services to the public will not be disrupted during closure and the public can still access the 10111 number which has been temporarily diverted to the building currently in use,” the statement said.
Alternatively, people can also call 082 465 6030 for any other emergencies.
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service provincial head office situated at Metpol Building at 126 Charlotte Maxeke Street in Bloemfontein has been temporarily closed for the third time to allow for decontamination after another case related to COVID-19 was confirmed.
All staff will work remotely while the building is deep cleaned.