Mother devastated after two children 'left unattended by nanny' burn to death

A mother of two children who burnt to death after allegedly being left unattended in a shack by their nanny is struggling to come to terms with their deaths. 

“I can't believe it, even now. God has taken from me,” Maria Tembe said as she broke down in tears. 

Mira Tembe, 4, and her brother Armando, 3, were burnt in the shack in Tamboville in Wattville, Ekurhuleni, at about 4pm on Sunday after their nanny allegedly left them alone in the locked shack. 

The fire occurred barely an hour after Tembe left her children in the nanny's care. According to police, Tembe left her two children with their nanny on Sunday at about 3.10pm.

Police spokesperson Capt Neldah Sekgobela said the nanny went out to buy food.

“When she returned, she found the shack on fire. The two children were certified dead and the 45-year-old caretaker was arrested for child neglect.”

Tembe, who is struggling with funeral arrangements, has appealed for assistance to bury her children.

“We don't have anything, I don't have anything. I don't know what I will do, I just want to bury my children. I need help to bury my children, I will see [to] the rest after. I don't have strength, I don't have anything,” she said.

Community leader Victor Khoza said they are trying to help Tembe.

“We are trying to assist so the children can be buried. They are in the government mortuary. The mother is devastated, she cannot even speak, and she wants answers about what happened to her children.”

Khoza alleged the nanny often left the children alone in the shack. 

On the day of the incident, she returned to find the shack alight and community members struggling to douse the flames, he said. 

Khoza said the nanny, from Zimbabwe, was paid R500 every Saturday by the mother to look after the children. 

Those willing to assist with burials or donations can contact Khoza on 063 583 3550. 

TimesLIVE