A three-year-old boy has died after a house caught fire in Lusaka’s Kalikiliki Compound, despite his mother’s desperate efforts to save him. Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi identified the deceased as Tumelo Simangolwa, who lost his life after the family home was engulfed in…

A three-year-old boy has died after a house caught fire in Lusaka’s Kalikiliki Compound, despite his mother’s desperate efforts to save him.

Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi identified the deceased as Tumelo Simangolwa, who lost his life after the family home was engulfed in flames at around 23:00 hours on Thursday night.

According to police, the child’s 28-year-old mother, Nalishebo Simangolwa, managed to rescue her 11-month-old baby from the burning house. However, before she could return to save Tumelo, the fire intensified, trapping the child inside.

A neighbour who noticed thick smoke alerted other residents, who rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire. After the flames were put out, Tumelo’s body was discovered inside the burnt house.

Police officers visited and processed the scene, while all household property was destroyed in the inferno. The child’s body has been taken to the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Police have launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire and have extended their condolences to the bereaved family.