Mother of burnt Pumula children dies

THE mother of the three children who were burnt beyond recognition in Bulawayo's Pumula South suburb on Tuesday morning  has died.

Ms Mottilia Ndlovu Tshuma (25) reportedly died from severe burns she sustained while trying to rescue her children who had been trapped in the inferno.

The three died together with their cousin.

The four children have been identified as Brian (6 months), Kudzai (3) and Nobuhle Mpofu (5) and their cousin Ashley Moyo (4) whose mother was buried on Sunday.

In an interview yesterday, Mr Hloniphani Ndlovu, the children's  uncle, confirmed his sister's death, saying she died at Mpilo Central Hospital.

"Before we heard of the sad news about the passing on of my sister, our intention was to bury the children tomorrow (today) at West Park Cemetery.

"We still intend as a family to also bury my sister  tomorrow, but we have not yet finalised that. Our hope is to bury all of them in the afternoon," said Mr Ndlovu.

Bulawayo City Council acting chief fire officer Mr Linos Phiri confirmed fire was caused by a candle.

"The fire that took place at Pumula South was started by an unattended lit candle.

"We urge members of the public to ensure that candles are blown out when they have finished using them in order to avoid such fatalities," said Mr Phiri.