Cleric, wife and their three children die in church fire

A pastor, his wife, and their three children tragically lost their lives in a fire that gutted the Methodist Church mission house in South Africa.

The sad incident occurred in Askeaton locality in Cala on Thursday, November 3, 2022.

The deceased are, Reverend Mandisi Mpthiti (46), his wife Dunyiswa Mphiti (29), and their three children Khololwetu (5); Zimi (3) and Yololwetu (11 months).

Confirming the incident, police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, said detectives are investigating the cause of the fire.

Tembinkosi said in a statement, “Preliminary investigation revealed that a member of the community alerted the police to the burning house in which there were five people. As the police arrived, they indeed found the alleged house in the blaze with members of the family inside.

“The fire fighters who were also at the scene managed to extinguish the blaze but the family could not be saved as they had already died inside the house. Only one person believed to be a domestic worker aged 28 was rescued. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical care.

“The deceased family members include a husband and wife age 29 and 46, together with three children one girl and two boys aged between 3 and 11.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation. An Inquest docket has been registered.

“Anyone with information regarding the cause of the fire, is requested to please make contact with Cala Police Station on 047 877 0132 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Tip-offs can be submitted by using the My SAPS App.”