A resident of Maebane village's new stands, Mr Given Ramovha (24), was burnt beyond recognition in his single-room shack on Sunday night.

His mother, Ms Flora Ramovha, who stays in the old section of Maebane, about 2km away from her son's stand, said that she was only alerted by her younger sister about the incident. Even though the shack burnt down completely with all of Given’s belongings, she was able to identify the remains as those of her son.

Spokesperson for the Tshilwavhusiku police Const Musiwalo Mahuwa confirmed the incident and said that an inquest docket had been opened, following the death of Ramovha. “The cause of the fire is still unknown,” Mahuwa said.

Mr Lazarus Mutomoli, the deceased's father, said that his son had died a painful death. “He was last seen drinking beer around the village with some of his aunts before he went to his shack that night,” he said in a sad and mournful voice. “We are not certain about the cause of fire in his shack. It’s sad. I even dread to imagine the pain my son felt when the fire ate his flesh.”

According to the police statement, fire brigade from the Makhado Fire Station had responded to the call, but by the time they arrived, Ramovha had already died. Meanwhile, the rescue vehicle released to respond to the incident in question had an accident on the way when it skidded off the road. Another vehicle had to be released for help, said the Makhado Fire Station's divisional officer, Mr Jack Ramalatso.

Mahuwa requested members of the community with information pertaining to this case to contact the station commander at 082 451 7163 or 015 519 6000.