Johannesburg - A man and woman were killed when their shack caught fire in the township of Refilwe, near Cullinan, police said on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Constable Connie Moganedi said the pair was burnt beyond recognition.
“An eyewitness, who is also a tenant in the yard, confirmed that he last saw and left the couple around 20:00. He was awakened around 23:00 when he heard somebody shouting out for help,” she said.
Moganedi said the eyewitness also told police that the 46-year-old female and her boyfriend who was believed to be in his 50s had been drinking prior to the shack burning.
“He also alleged that the couple was drunk and the fire might have been caused by the candle which was left unattended. No foul play is being suspected at this stage. We are still investigating the course of the fire,” she said.