The Swartdam community in the North West province gathered in sorrow as they bid farewell to **two-year-old Blessing Mpete**, who tragically lost her life in a shack fire earlier this month. Her funeral, held on **15 November 2025**, drew family members, neighbours and community leaders, all united in grief over the sudden loss of a young life filled with promise.
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The small white coffin carrying Blessing’s body was lowered into the ground at the Swartdam Cemetery, where her grandmother, **Martha Mpete (50)**, broke down in anguish. Those in attendance described the moment as heartbreaking, with Martha repeatedly calling her granddaughter’s name as she struggled to come to terms with the tragedy that had shattered their home.
The fatal fire occurred on the morning of **10 November**, shortly after 6:30am. According to the family, the three-roomed shack where Blessing lived with her grandmother caught fire while Martha was outside using the outdoor toilet. By the time she noticed the flames and rushed back, the blaze had already engulfed the structure, leaving no time to rescue the child who was still inside. Despite attempts by neighbours to help, the flames were too intense.
Blessing’s grandfather, **Edward Mpete**, said the family had been left devastated and emotionally drained. He revealed that they were unable to view Blessing’s body due to the severity of the burns she sustained. “It is something no parent or grandparent should ever experience,” he said, expressing the deep pain the family continues to endure.
Her aunt, **Mandy Mpete**, described the little girl as cheerful, affectionate and always full of energy. She said the family was struggling to comprehend how quickly their lives had changed and how a normal morning had turned into a lifelong nightmare.
Community members also attended the funeral to show support. **Lisbeth Tlhoaele**, the ward coordinator, expressed the community’s sorrow, noting how deeply the child’s death had shaken residents. “We are heartbroken. Losing an innocent child in such a manner is unbearable,” she said. Tlhoaele also thanked neighbours, relatives and community organisations that stepped in to assist the family with funeral arrangements, counselling and emotional support.
The **Moeka Vuma police** have opened an inquest docket to investigate the cause of the fire. Provincial police spokesperson **Colonel Adéle Myburgh** confirmed that investigations were underway to determine what might have caused the blaze and whether any external factors contributed to the tragedy.
Before leaving the cemetery, Martha looked at her granddaughter’s final resting place and whispered that she would forever carry her memory. “I will remember her every time, even though she is gone,” she said tearfully.
The loss of Blessing Mpete has highlighted ongoing safety challenges in many rural and informal communities, where families face fire risks daily due to cramped living conditions, limited access to emergency services and reliance on flammable materials. For the Mpete family, however, no investigation or explanation can fill the void left by their beloved Blessing — a bright, innocent child whose life ended far too soon.
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