Three Eastern Cape primary school learners including their mother perished due to fire, as their house burnt down to ashes while sleeping last Tuesday, in Upper Mbulukweza village, Chris Hani East Education District.

Two of the three learners were enrolled at Mzantsi primary school, while one was studying at Upper Mbulukweza primary school, Mbulukweza village when the incident happened. Despite this, their father escaped the ordeal without a scratch.

A case has been opened with the SAPS to investigate this horrific incident. Local departments like Social Development were roped in to provide debriefing and counseling to the family and affected learners. The Department of Education MEC, Fundile Gade sends his condolences to the Nxusani family for this horrific incident.

“Our prayers are with the family, and we hope they will find solace in God during the painful period. We send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the affected family for their tragedy”, said Gade.

Funeral arrangements will be communicated as soon as the family pronounce.

Issued by the Eastern Cape Department of Education Communications Directorate. For any enquiries, please contact the DoE Spokesperson, Mr Mali Mtima at 062 057 1591, Acting Director: Communications and Events, Ms Nyameka Tokwe-Mgijima at 060 530 0348.