A couple died in a fire in Delft on Monday morning.
The fire at Baleles Road was allegedly started by a stove left on by the boyfriend who fell asleep while warming food.
A hartseer Buyiswa Nyamza says her cousin Nomahlubi Phutuma, 50, would still be alive if her berk, known only as Celane, did not fetch her from her relative.
“Her boyfriend was abusive when he was drunk and Nomahlubi went to sleep at a relative close to here. He went to fetch her around 3am and warmed food after they arrived.
“He fell asleep and my cousin was also asleep when the fire started.
“I received a call while going to work about the incident. My bosses had to take me home as I was not okay.”
Fire and Rescue Services’ Jermaine Carelse said an emergency call was received just after 5am: “The bodies of a man and woman were discovered inside the structure. The fire was extinguished at 5.38am and the scene handed over to the police.”
SAPS’ Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed: “A death inquest case has been opened for investigation following the death of two people at an informal structure in Baleles Street, Delft.
“A 50-year-old female and an unidentified man, died in the incident. The circumstances surrounding the fire and deaths are yet to be determined.”