KwaDukuza Family Devastated After Fire Kills Five Children
- Five children tragically died in a shack fire in Shakashead, Stanger, while one child survived thanks to her mother’s brave rescue
- The KwaDukuza Local Municipality and MEC Siboniso Duma have deployed teams to support the grieving family and provide counselling
- Authorities, including the SAPS forensic team, are investigating the cause of the early morning blaze
Source: UGC
KWAZULU-NATAL- Five children have died in a devastating shack fire in Shakashead, Stanger, in the early hours of Saturday morning, 28 February 2026, prompting an urgent response from provincial authorities.
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 5 am when a blaze engulfed the family’s home, according to the Disaster Management team from the KwaDukuza Local Municipality. By the time emergency teams arrived, the structure was already consumed by flames.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Five children identified
KZN Department of Transport Spokesperson told Briefly News that the five children have been identified as Asamkele Somtsewu (19), Sonwabise Noyila (14), Amila Menemene (3), and the one-year-old twins Sokhula and Solulele Somtsewu. Their remains have been taken by the South African Police Service forensic team, which is conducting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
Their remains were taken by the South African Police Service forensic team for further investigation.
Mother hailed for her bravery
One child, Yana Menemene (2), survived the fire after being rescued by her mother, Ntombovuyo Menemene, who has been hailed for her bravery. Both the mother and the surviving child were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The father, Sivuyile Noyila, sustained minor injuries.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed his deep condolences to the grieving family.
“We wish to express our deepest condolences to the surviving family members during this painful time,” Duma said in a statement issued from Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House on Saturday.
The MEC confirmed that he is liaising with the Mayor of KwaDukuza Local Municipality, Councillor Sduduzo Gumede, following the incident. He has also assigned a team from his office and the Department of Human Settlements to work closely with the municipality to assist the affected family.
The departmental team is currently meeting with the surviving father and will ensure he receives counselling and the necessary support services.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. Investigations are ongoing.
Etwatwa fire claims five lives
A similar tragic shack fire broke out at the Steve Biko informal settlement in Etwatwa, City of Ekurhuleni on 9 November 2025. The fire claimed the lives of five family members. Investigations are ongoing into the blaze that engulfed their five-roomed home. A teenage family member miraculously survived the fire.
Source: Getty Images
Other articles on fires
Briefly News also reported on other tragic fires across the country that have left devastation in their wake.
- The family of four children who were killed in a shack fire in Vosloorus in July 2025 spoke out about the tragedy.
- Three siblings aged between seven and 15 lost their lives in an informal settlement fire in Tembisa in September 2025.
- A fire broke out at Cape Town International Airport on 24 February 2026, disrupting flights and delaying scores of passengers.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
