Police spokesperson Supt Mpiti Mopeli has warned the nation to be vigilant this winter season to avoid accidental fires and stressed that families should avoid the use of external heating equipment inside homes, including heat beds, overloading power points and power boards at work places or schools.
This follows an incident where an 85 year old man from Ha-Lishobane Sekubu in Botha-Bothe was burned to death in his home earlier this month.
According to Mopeli one relative who was on his way to carry out his daily business in the morning hours saw smoke coming out of the deceased home where he immediately alerted neighbours whom, upon arrival discovered the burned remains of the man.
He noted that investigations are on-going to determine the cause of the fire.
Mopeli emphasized that there are general fire safety precautions that should be followed regardless of where a person lives in order to create a safer and more secure living environment especially this winter season.