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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS & VIDEO - A family of three burned to death when their house on Top Street, Umasizakhe caught fire last weekend.

James Holmes (36), Baby de Klerk (39) and their seven-year-old son's cries for help were in vain as flames engulfed their home, with the family trapped inside a room. The police have asked that the child's name be withheld.

According to police spokesperson, Capt Bradley Rawlinson, the police were dispatched on Saturday 29 February at 10.55pm. "On arrival, the officials found the house badly damaged."

Powerless family members and friends heard the three shout for help as the fire gutted the house. Holmes' uncle, Thomas Holmes said once the fire had been extinguished, their burnt bodies were found together in the remains of one of the rooms.

"They fought a hopeless, desperate fight to break down the door to get out of the burning house. When we succeeded in breaking down the door, it was already too late," Thomas said.

Three other residents of the house were out at the time of the tragedy.

Rawlinson said the three deceased were last seen entering the house at about 8pm.

Watch a video below:

Ncedo Matiyase shows where the bodies were found. Photos: Christo Vermaak

Jeffrey Sweli, the deceased man's brother, said the cause of the fire is unknown. A shocked friend, Ncedo Matiyase, said he had known the family for years. "They were three lovely people. James and I were taken to the bush together, to be circumcised, in 2008. He was like a brother to me."

Photo gallery: Fire kills 3 in Umasizakhe

Their bakkie was also destroyed in the fire.

They will be laid to rest on Saturday 7 March, from the Old Apostolic Church, Umusizakhe. At 8am, their bodies will be taken to their respective family homes, followed by the burial.

The police have opened an inquest docket for investigation.

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