By 
JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Provincial Government has expressed deep sadness following the tragic deaths of five young people in Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane.
On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi led a delegation to visit the grieving families to convey heartfelt condolences and offer the province’s unwavering support during this difficult period.
Premier Lesufi was accompanied by the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, and the Deputy Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Cllr Eugene Modise.
While relevant authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy, preliminary reports suggest that the fatalities may be linked to the use of a brazier (locally known as an mbawula) inside a dwelling.
As South Africa experiences harsher winter conditions, the incident has prompted provincial authorities to issue an urgent safety warning to the public. Residents across Gauteng are strongly reminded to exercise extreme caution when using indoor heating devices, including braziers, paraffin stoves, and generators.
The Gauteng Department of Health had previously issued warnings earlier this year regarding the dangers of using imbawulas and similar heaters in poorly ventilated rooms or leaving them unattended. Authorities reiterated that these devices pose severe risks, including devastating burn injuries, fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, and death.
The Provincial Government, via the Department of COGTA, is currently collaborating with the City of Tshwane Emergency Services, the Disaster Management Centre, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to monitor ongoing developments and provide assistance to the affected community.
Officials stated that further information will be communicated to the public by the relevant authorities once the investigation progresses and the facts are fully verified.
