Caption: Coffins of the Magabane family members who perished in a brazier-related incident in Ngwaritsi Village.

Tragedy leaves family and villagers in shock

Residents of Ngwaritsi Village have been left shattered following the deaths of five members of the Magabane family who lost their lives in a brazier-related incident in the early hours of June 29.

The victims include two granddaughters, Kgaogelo Magabane (2) and Charmaine Magabane (7) as well as their grandmother, Constance Magabane (49) and her daughters, Girly Magabane (30) and Hope Magabane (6).

Mahlako Thokwane, a relative, said she is not sure if they will heal from the ordeal. “This has been difficult and painful for the family. We are taking each day as it comes. It is emotionally draining for all of us. No one can absorb this pain. We are deeply hurt,” Thokwane said.

A five-year-old granddaughter survived the ordeal and was admitted to hospital for medical treatment.

Thokwane said the child was later discharged from the hospital and recovering well.

“We were not aware that they were using a brazier inside the house. The area has electricity. I think they used the brazier to keep warm in this cold winter. It is really sad and it will take us a long time to heal,” Thokwane said.

Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary investigations indicate that the family members were exposed to carbon monoxide fumes emitted by the brazier while they were sleeping inside their home on June 28.

Ledwaba confirmed that the family members were transported to Ngwaritsi Clinic where Emergency Medical Services personnel certified four of them dead inside a bakkie and one while already in the clinic.

Constance, Kgaogelo, Charmaine, Girly and Hope were buried during an emotional send-off on 5 July.