Police investigate after mother allegedly poison herself and children
The police in Hlanganani outside Giyani are investigating cases of murder, attempted murder and have opened an inquest docket after a 35-year-old woman allegedly poisoned herself and her two children aged two and six on Monday evening.
According to police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo the incident occurred at about 20:30.
“It is alleged that the woman prepared food for herself and her two minor daughters. She allegedly used a poisonous substance to contaminate the food with an apparent motive of ending her life and those of her children. After eating the food, the woman and her children reportedly started vomiting and were rushed to Rotterdam Clinic where the youngest child was certified dead on arrival. The woman was transferred to Kgapane Hospital but passed away while being transported to the hospital for medical attention,” he said.
Mojapelo said the six-year-old survived the poisoning and is in a stable condition.
Also read: Seven nabbed in illegal gold refining bust
He said the deceased and the two children were staying with her mother who is a pensioner.
“Preliminary police investigation revealed that the motive for the alleged poisoning was possibly perpetuated by financial burdens. The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident and advised people to seek help from family, pastors, friends or professionals to prevent tragedies like this,” said Mojapelo.
The police investigations are ongoing.
Also read: Be part of crime eliminating team in your community
Meanwhile, the MEC for social development Nkakareng Rakgoale has dispatched a team of social workers to the family to provide psychosocial support.
Rakgoale said parents who have challenges in raising their children must approach social workers for intervention before resorting to drastic measures like taking their lives.
“We are urging all parents who are facing challenges in their families and relationships not to resort to killing and harming their children but approach our social workers for advice and assistance. As the department, we have systems in place to ensure that vulnerable children are protected and brought up in a conducive environment. A team of social workers which has been dispatched to the area will conduct assessments, as well as ensuring that psychosocial support is provided to the affected family members and other parties,” said Rakgoale.
