Limpopo mother poisons family’s food: mother, toddler dies

LIMPOPO – Provincial police have opened a case of inquest after a 35-year-old mother from Modjadjiskloof  poisoned herself and her two daughters, aged 2 and 6. 

It is alleged the mother had on Monday (August 16) prepared the food for her family and had laced it using a poisonous substance in an ‘attempt to end her life and those of her children’, says police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.

The same evening at around 20:30 the mother and both siblings started vomiting. “All three were rushed to Rotterdam clinic where the two-year-old child was certified dead on arrival. The mother was immediately transferred to Kgapane hospital, but passed away in the ambulance.”

The six-year-old child survived the poisoning and is currently in a stable condition, he added.

Mojapelo explained that the deceased and her two children were living with her mother, who is a pensioner. “Preliminary police investigations revealed that the motive for the alleged poisoning was possibly due to financial burdens.”

Cases of murder and attempted murder are also under investigation.

The provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe together with the MEC for Social Development Nkakareng Rakgoale condemned the incident and urged people to seek help before resorting to drastic measures like taking ones life.

“Parents who have challenges in raising their children must approach social workers for intervention to prevent such tragedies from occurring.,” Rakgoale said.

She added that the department has systems in place to ensure that vulnerable children are protected and brought up in a conducive environment. Those experiencing challenges are advised to approach our social workers for advice and assistance.”

A team of social workers has been dispatched to the area will conduct assessments and to provide psycho-social support to the family of the deceased.