Shack fire in Ikageng kills four-month-old twin boys, police investigate

Police in the North West are investigating after a shack fire in the Hashtag informal settlement in Ikageng, close to Potchefstroom, claimed the lives of twin infants just before midnight on Monday.

What happened

Members of the South African Police Service (Saps) responded to a report of a shack fire in the Hashtag informal settlement. When authorities arrived the structure had already been destroyed by the blaze. The JB Marks Fire Brigade extinguished the fire.

Victims and emergency response

Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) treated an adult male and his wife for burn injuries at the scene, and both were transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment.

During processing of the scene, responders discovered the charred remains of four-month-old twin boys among the debris.

Investigation and cause

The cause of the fire is unknown and is part of an ongoing police investigation by members of Saps in the North West.

Safety advice highlighted by police

Saps in the North West urged residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of house fires during the winter season, including:

• Never leaving candles, paraffin stoves, or open flames unattended.
• Extinguishing candles and switching off heated devices before sleeping or leaving home.
• Keeping candles, heaters and open flames away from curtains, bedding, clothing and other flammable materials.
• Avoiding overloading electrical plugs and extension cords.
• Ensuring paraffin stoves and heaters are in good working condition and placed on stable, non-flammable surfaces.
• Not leaving children unattended where candles, heaters, or cooking appliances are in use.
• Keeping matches and lighters away and out of reach of children.
• Planning an escape route and ensuring everyone in the household knows how to evacuate quickly in the event of a fire.

What to do if a fire starts

Saps advised that if a fire starts, people should immediately leave the structure and call the fire department or emergency services from a safe location. The police also warned against burning charcoal, generators, or outdoor braziers in unventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation.

This report is based on information published by The Citizen on 7 July 2026.