Heartbreaking story of child’s poisoning

WESTDENE – Mother shares details into the passing of her child due to rat poisoning.

June 13, 2019

Andile Dlodlo 1 minute read

Westdene mothers Fanula Wabet and Antoinette Assegaai listen to Member of the MMC of Health and Social Development Dr Mpho Phalatse on what will be done next by the City of Johannesburg after the passing of their children. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

A mother lost her child due to her consuming rat poison at an unregistered pre-school.

It was a normal day for Antoinette Assegaai when she sent her two-year-old daughter to a pre-school she had trusted on 9 May. The child returned home well and lively, but at around dinner time, Assegaai heard her screaming and crying and she rushed to the child to find her in a weak and tearful state.

Assegaai explained, “My child was struggling to breathe and she was crying differently. We rushed her to the hospital and called her father.”

Doctors told her that her child had touched or eaten something dangerous and it was the cause of her rapid change of health.

“We asked the doctor if the child will be okay and he said he wasn’t sure,” Assegaai said.

Antoinette Assegaai and Fanula Wabet were shocked to discover that their toddlers had died after allegedly coming into contact with poison at their Westdene pre-school in May. *Photo: Andile Dlodlo*

It wasn’t until the next day when Assegaai was given the worst news she could’ve ever imagined. “When we got to the hospital, we were told that doctors tried to save her but failed to.”

Along with the terrible news of the passing of her child, the doctor told Assegaai that another child was brought into the hospital with the exact same symptoms. The child, who also attended the same pre-school as Jessica, unfortunately also died two days later. Both parents realised that whatever the children had consumed had come from the pre-school they were attending in Westdene.

Assegaai shared details of her dealings with the owner of the pre-school. She stated, “The owner came to our home once but didn’t show any signs of sympathy. After that, she didn’t even bother calling or even coming to the funeral, let alone giving an explanation into how this could’ve happened.”

Jessica Assegaai was one of two toddlers that died after allegedly coming into contact with rat poison at her pre-school in Westdene. *Photo: Supplied*

Assegaai went on to say what shocked her the most was that the pre-school was still operating, even though the deaths of two children could be pinpointed to its premise.

With a heavy heart, Assegaai continues to look for justice and answers. She opened a case at the Sophiatown Police Station on 11 May.

On 17, May she bid a final farewell to her daughter with the comfort of friends and family.