Two minor children, who are siblings aged 3 and 4, were burned beyond recognition in the early hours of this morning while they were sleeping in their traditional hut at Otjimanangombe village in Ruacana Constituency, Omusati Region.

It is alleged that, at the time of the incident, four children were asleep in the traditional hut, which caught fire and burned to ashes.

The two who survived the ordeal, aged 6 and 9, were rescued by their aunt, who was sleeping in a different room. The 9-year-old is said to be in stable condition at Outapi District Hospital, while the 6-year-old escaped with no injuries. The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

The deceased have been identified as 3-year-old Dhimbulukweni Nampahethi and 4-year-old Welitemba Nampahethi.

Omusati Crime Investigations Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Moses Simaho, has called on the public to take care of their children and always ensure that no fires are lit in close proximity to rooms where children or the elderly are sleeping.

He warned that the police are contemplating investigating and charging parents or guardians for child neglect in these instances.