Eastern Cape Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe visited the Phongoma family in Upper Xolobe Village in Tsomo, following the tragic death of three sisters in a mysterious fire while undergoing an Intonjane ritual.
This incident happened on Sunday, July 9, in the morning.
The deceased are Fundiswa Phongoma (37), Ntombizakuthi Phongoma (age unknown) and Nozuko Phongoma (44).
Kontsiwe described the incident as horrific.
“We first want to pass a word of condolences to the family.
Kontsiwe said they were shocked by the incident, as it happened a day before they returned from the ritual.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, confirmed that police have opened an inquest docket following the death of three women after a house was gutted by fire during a ritual.
“The three victims, aged between 37 and 44, were rushed to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries following the fire that broke out in the homestead,” said Nkohli.
A family member, Reverend Mbongeni Phongoma, confirmed that
their funeral will be held on July 22.
He said they were still shocked
about this incident.
“On the morning of the incident, the trio were in their
room when this happened. The fire started at the door entrance. The blankets
and other things were not burnt – that is why we are saying it is a mysterious
fire.
“Even the room they were sitting in was not burnt, it is only their bodies that were burnt so badly,” said Phongoma.
He said they were supposed to come out from
the ritual today (Friday).
