Zuma shocked by house fire that kills nine people

South African President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday that he was "deeply saddened and shocked" by a house fire that killed nine people in Mitchell's Plein, Cape Town.

"I am deeply saddened and shocked by this tragedy that has befallen the community of Mitchell's Plein today," Zuma said in a statement.

Zuma extended his condolences to the families and relatives of the nine victims, including children, who died in the fire that took place on Saturday morning.

"I wish to extend my condolences and those of the whole government to the families and relatives of the deceased during this difficult time," Zuma said.

Police said at least seven of the victims are children aged between two and 17-year-old. Six other people were taken to hospital to be treated for burn wounds.

The cause of the fire remained unknown. The circumstance of the fire were immediately investigated, police said.

Police described the fire as one of the most tragic incidents they have attended to in many years. Enditem