The City of Tshwane's Emergency Services has issued a warning about the dangers of using braziers, commonly known as imbawula, indoors following the deaths of five teenage boys in Garankuwa, north-west of Pretoria.
The victims, aged between 17 and 19, are believed to have died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after sleeping in a room where a brazier had been left burning overnight on Saturday.
Their bodies were discovered by one of the parents on Sunday morning.
Emergency Services spokesperson Nana Radebe-Kgiba urged residents to avoid sleeping in rooms where braziers are being used, warning that poor ventilation can lead to a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide.
She explained that burning charcoal in enclosed spaces releases toxic gases that can quickly become fatal when inhaled.
Radebe-Kgiba appealed to households that rely on braziers for heating or cooking to ensure the devices are removed from living spaces before going to bed.
She urged residents to place braziers outside once they have finished using them, stressing that this simple precaution could prevent further loss of life.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.