Three girls, aged 16 months, six and eight, died after mistakenly eating poisoned food that was intended to kill rats.
The three siblings from Ivory Park in Midrand died at their grandparents’ house.
According to Captain Ben Matimulane, the spokesperson for Ivory Park police, the incident that claimed the lives of the young girls occurred on May 31, and the children aged six and eight were learners at Kaalfontein Primary School.
“According to information at our disposal, while the children were at school, the grandparents of the children sprinkled meat with rat poison and placed the container on top of the refrigerator with the intention to, later that night, entrap rats in the house, and left for church,” said Steve Mabona, spokesperson for Gauteng Education.
“Back from school, the learners gained access to their grandmother’s rat bait and consumed it. Upon arrival from church, the grandparent found the children watching TV until she realised that the container she left on top of the refrigerator was now in the sink.”
The children told the grandparents that they had eaten the poisoned meat. “She [grandmother] immediately gave them milk, and they started complaining about stomach cramps. They were rushed to a medical facility but were certified dead on arrival.”
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi was shocked to learn about the deaths of the three siblings.
“We wish to convey our sincerest condolences to the family and the school community,” said Lesufi.
The Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched its psycho-social support unit to the school to offer counselling. The services have also been offered to the bereaved family.
Ivory Park Station Commander Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo expressed his sadness at the deaths.
“Under no circumstances should poisonous substances be left unattended. Had this precaution been adhered to, this tragedy would have been avoided,” said Ngcobo.
An inquest has been opened and is being investigated by Ivory Park police.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/304938/grade-3-learner-found-with-a-knife/
