Kalahari death toll rises as victim dies in hospital

The tragic fire accident that consumed a holiday lodge apartment in Witdraai, Northern Cape, has recorded 9 confirmed deaths on Tuesday morning.

Police reported that one victim who was receiving treatment in the hospital had died.

Police spokesperson, Brig Mohale Ramatseba said “Frans Davin, 36, who was admitted to a hospital in Cape Town with serious burns, has succumbed to his injuries,”

His passing was confirmed this morning. This brings the number of people who died to nine,” Ramatseba said.

Forensic officials found what they suspect to be burnt remains at the lodge on Monday afternoon.

Some believed that it could be the remains of that of a missing seven-year-old girl who was with the group at the time of the blaze.

Ramatseba said they were waiting for forensic to confirm this; if it is the remains of the child, the death toll will rise to 10.

Sadly, about three families were affected by the tragic fire, which remains unexplained.

Seven people died in the blaze in the early hours of Monday morning. Eighth and ninth person succumbed to injuries later in hospital while the tenth is missing.

Five of the seven who died on the premises were children. Three others were able to escape unscathed.

The police have opened an inquest docket with a fire expert being brought in to establish the cause of the fire.