Tragedy in KwaZulu-Natal: six Family Members Die in Apparent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA – July 2, 2025 – A KwaZulu-Natal family is mourning the devastating loss of six relatives who died in their sleep after allegedly inhaling toxic fumes from a brazier during a traditional ceremony. The incident occurred on Sunday morning in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, leaving the magwenyane and Mtshali families reeling.The victims, ranging in age from 17 to 50, where attending a ceremony hosted by the Magwenyane family when tragedy struck. Preliminary reports indicate the group used a wood-burning brazier for heat in a small, windowless room throughout the night, leading to a possible build-up of carbon monoxide.
“We are told that they used a brazier in a small room, and they fell asleep…they were sleeping in a vrey small room which has no windows. We believe they might have inhaled smoke, which then affected their breathing,” explained Agnes Mtshali, grandmother of one of the deceased, Nqubeko Mtshali.
Nqubeko Mtshali,a recent graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a Bachelor’s degree in Management,is being remembered as the family’s “hope.” his death, along with those of his uncle and nephew, has compounded the family’s grief.
Despite the tragic circumstances, family members have stated they do not suspect foul play. “We believe it’s the way God had planned their death…We do not believe that it was purposeful,” said Nkosingphile zungu,a relative who lost a family member.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of using heating devices, such as braziers and paraffin stoves, in poorly ventilated spaces. The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management services recently issued a warning regarding the ongoing cold front, urging residents to exercise caution and never leave heating devices unattended [[1]].
Police are currently investigating the deaths, but initial indications point to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The homeowner, Nkululeko Magwenyane, remains in shock.
Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for further updates on this developing story.
CTA: Learn about carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms and prevention here.
