Pretoria – The North West provincial government is to send officials to the families of the three children who died inside a disused fridge to determine the extent of assistance they might need.
The provincial government wishes to offer assistance with the funeral arrangements for the children.
The incident took place in Vrisgewaagte Village, outside Mafikeng, last Friday.
Five-year-old Skhukhuza Stuurman and two of his neighbours, three-year-old Rorisang Medupi and four-year-old Onalena Medupi’s bodies were found in the fridge after missing for more than twelve hours.
It is suspected that the children were playing when they somehow landed in the fridge.
Meanwhile, North West Premier Thandi Modise has sent condolences to the families.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.”
Modise has also called on parents to be circumspect about derelict objects that create unsafe environments for children and that children must not be left unattended for lengthy periods.
“We again appeal strongly to our people to get rid of unused items around their homes that may unsuspectingly become a death trap for children,” cautioned Modise.
Police say investigations are underway but no foul play is suspected at this stage.
Last year, Modise made the same plea after two girls aged two and three suffocated to death while playing in an old unused car in Henryville, outside Zeerust. – SAnews.gov.za
