Children’s ‘poisoned’ bread deaths still under investigation in Ekurhuleni

The Vosloorus SAPS in Ekurhuleni have not yet charged anyone in connection with the recent deaths of two boys, aged six and eight, at a local clinic after they ate bread a neighbour gave them.

The neighbour is the uncle of one of the victims, and he offered the friends the bread slices while they played outside.

According to the spokesperson for the Vosloorus SAPS, Constable Nompumelelo Nhlapo, shortly after eating the bread, the children fell ill and were rushed to a nearby clinic.

“The clinic staff became suspicious of foul play when the children’s condition worsened, so they immediately alerted the police.

“During the initial investigation, the neighbour claimed the children had eaten snacks from a nearby foreign-owned tuckshop before falling ill.

“However, further questioning revealed inconsistencies in the neighbour’s account. He later admitted his mentally ill son might have inadvertently sprinkled rat poison on the bread,” Nhlapo says.

“Despite this admission, the tragedy was too late to be averted because both children died.

“The suspect, the mentally ill son of the uncle, had also eaten the bread but survived and was discharged from medical care.

“The police are continuing their investigation into the matter, with potential charges pending,” says Nhlapo.

She adds that tensions had risen in the community, with some residents blaming foreign-owned tuckshops for the children’s deaths.

“Despite the Vosloorus Crime Prevention Unit uncovering the true circumstances behind the incident, certain voices in the community still call for the closure of all foreign-owned shops.”

The Boksburg Advertiser has not yet been able to reach the families for comment.