3 Gauteng Learners Killed in Shack Fire Lived in Terrible Conditions, Teacher Says

• Three siblings aged between seven and 15 lost their lives in an informal settlement in Tembisa, Gauteng
• The incident happened this past weekend, and some of the teachers complained that the students of their school lived in horrific conditions
• The children's mother was arrested for negligence, and South Africans condemned the incident and mourned the children's deaths

For seven years, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of Current Affairs, South Africa, covered a range of topics, including accidents, fires, outbreaks, nature, weather, and natural disaster-related incidents, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

TEMBISA, EKURHULENI — Three siblings who died in a shack fire which gutted their home in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, on 14 September 2025 lived in terrible conditions, according to one of their teachers.

According to SABC News, the siblings, Relebohile, Kgothatso, and Lethabo Sekaoke, died after the Phumasilwe Informal Settlement shack was engulfed in flames. Their mother was arrested and charged with negligence.

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Teachers bemoan living conditions

Speaking at the children's memorial service held at the Sedibeng Primary School, one of the teachers said that some of the learners lived in harsh conditions. Klaas Mashiane said that learners skip school because of hardships like insufficient food and terrible living conditions.

What did Panyaza Lesufi say?

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi spoke at the memorial service. He said that he will liaise with the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, to investigate the conditions that make it difficult for children to attend school in the province. He said that the provincial government must return to the school to identify other children who may be experiencing similar circumstances that the victims lived through.

Families killed by fires in 2025

A woman from Bloemfontein, Free State, and her two children died after a fire gutted their shack on 21 March 2025. The woman's eldest son had gone to the shops and locked the shack when a candle allegedly fell and burned the shack with the woman and children trapped inside.

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Six family members were killed in a horrific fire that engulfed a shack in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni, on 26 May 2025. A little girl survived the incident. Members of the community tried to extinguish the flames, but it was not enough to save the family.

Four children died in a devastating shack fire in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, on 28 June. The shack caught fire during a power outage when a candle was left unattended. Neighbours noticed smoke coming from the fire and alerted emergency services.

South Africans comment on fire

Netizens commented on Facebook about the blaze that engulfed the shack.

Siphumle Thongwana said:

"There are people still waiting to vote for the ANC."

Shaka Zulu said:

"Like old-time action-packed movies when the police arrived after the attack, when the movie is about to end, such is Panyaza and the ANC!"

Dumisani Nxumalo said:

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"The name of the place on its own leaves much to be desired."

Kungawo Reason Smooi said:

"They have been there for more than a decade and neglected by him."

Bheki Mabhiza Dlamini said:

"So sad. May they rest in peace."

Fire kills 3 Limpopo children

In a related article, Briefly News reported that three children died when a house caught fire in Itsani Village in Limpopo on 29 August 2025. The children were between the ages of two and four.

The cause of the fire is not known. However, the children were burned beyond recognition, and an investigation has been launched to uncover what caused the blaze.

Source: Briefly News