Kabelo Tlhabanelo
Oregolele Mochudi, 32, wanted to get rid of cockroaches in her house. But she and three of her four children died on Sunday from inhaling the killer smoke instead.
Oregolele’s brother Modise Mochudi told Scrolla.Africa that his niece was staying at her RDP house in Thaba Nchu, Free State with her four children, Gontse,13, 22-months old Andile, Anathi, 7, and Omphile, 11.
“She bought a coil that she burnt to kill the cockroaches. She and the kids evacuated the house as the coil was burning and gave it time to burn out. They went back inside when she believed all the smoke was out,” he said.
The family started feeling sick and were rushed to hospital where Oregolele and her three youngest children died.
Only 13-year-old Gontse survived and is receiving treatment in hospital.
“I still can’t believe that I have lost my family. We need to know from who she bought the coil. I urge the community not to buy any of those things.”
The kids’ father Sipho Jack said they had a problem with cockroaches and Oregolele told him about the poison.
“She told me there was someone who could help with the poison,” he said.
“I was at work in Bloemfontein when she used the poison. I am devastated.”
Sipho said he was frustrated that the house has been closed since Sunday.
“I need the house for the funeral. We can’t be meeting people who bring condolences in the street,” said Sipho.
Sipho said no one in the area had heard of the poison or knew the person who sold it. He said that the person who sold the poison warned Oregolele to not stay in the house while the coil was burning.
Ward councillor Leburu Khunou said he had spoken with the environmental department about the fumigation of the house.
“The process takes time. I have spoken to the family. The funeral will not be this weekend,” said Khunou.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele confirmed the incident and said police are investigating holding an inquest.
