Manenberg car fire claims lives of couple
Manenberg car fire claims lives of couple! In a heartbreaking turn of events, multiple lives have been lost in separate incidents where victims were trapped in burning vehicles. The tragedies have sent shockwaves through Cape Town communities, raising concerns about vehicle-related fires and safety measures.
Couple Perishes in Manenberg Car Fire
A couple tragically lost their lives when their car caught fire in Manenberg during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that at approximately 1:10 AM, emergency services received an alert regarding a vehicle engulfed in flames on Sabie Walk, Manenberg.
“Crews from Gugulethu arrived at 1:20 AM and found that the fire had already been extinguished by bystanders. Upon further inspection, they discovered two bodies inside the vehicle, both with fatal burn wounds.”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since launched an investigation into the incident.
Spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg revealed that the charred remains of a 47-year-old man and an unidentified woman were found inside the vehicle.
“Police responded to a complaint about a burning vehicle, and upon arrival at the scene, the Fire and Rescue Services had already extinguished the flames. That’s when they made the tragic discovery of the two bodies inside.”
Investigation Underway
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the deadly fire. An inquest docket has been registered, and police are appealing to the public for any information that might help uncover what happened.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Five-Year-Old Dies in Similar Incident in Eerste River
Just days before the Manenberg tragedy, another heart-wrenching incident took place in Eerste River, where five-year-old Simele Asonele Silekwa perished in a burning vehicle on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
His grief-stricken mother, Sibongiseni Silekwa, had the painful task of identifying his remains at the mortuary on Tuesday morning.
Mother Recalls Devastating Loss
Sibongiseni recounted the horrifying events leading up to her son’s death.
“I had been out, and when I returned home, he was there. But then he left while I went to buy vegetables.”
Moments later, she heard frightening news from neighbors that a car was on fire nearby.
“I rushed to the scene and waited as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. Deep down, I feared the worst. When I realized my son was missing from home, I ran to the car.”
Her worst fears were confirmed when forensic investigators uncovered her son’s remains.
“I identified him by a piece of his T-shirt and his feet, which were not burned.”
Struggles to Bury Her Son
The heartbroken mother now faces financial struggles in trying to lay her child to rest.
“I was told that I need to pay for a DNA test to claim my child’s body, but I don’t have the money.”
With no funeral policy, she has been forced to rely on donations from her neighbors to cover the costs of the DNA test, private mortuary fees, a coffin, and food for the funeral.
Community in Mourning
Both tragic incidents have left Cape Town residents shaken, with many calling for stricter safety regulations around vehicle maintenance and fire prevention.
These deaths highlight the dangers of car fires and have sparked urgent discussions on how to protect lives in such situations.
Authorities Seek Answers
Investigators are working to determine the cause of both car fires, and whether foul play was involved in either case.
As families grieve their lost loved ones, authorities urge anyone with information about the incidents to come forward.
Both Manenberg and Eerste River remain in mourning, with families and friends devastated by the unimaginable losses of their loved ones.
