Doreen Mokgolo
A mother of two allegedly served her children food laced with rat poison, ate the poison herself, then took the two children on a long, aimless drive.
After the deadly meal last Monday the 37-year-old mother from Dunnottar in Ekurhuleni allegedly decided to take a long drive from her Springs home towards the Free State, away from her family and friends.
While driving through Frankfort, 120km from home, the children started complaining of stomach cramps. The mother stopped at a garage and asked the petrol attendants to call an ambulance as her children were sick.
The 16-year-old Grade 9 learner from Springs Boys High died in hospital on the same day. His seven-year-old sister is fighting for her life in hospital.
The mother also received medical attention and was later discharged, and arrested by the Mafube police.
A source close to the suspect, who didn’t want to be named, said they started getting worried on Wednesday when the children’s school reported that two children didn’t show up for school.
“We later received a call from the police in Frankfort informing us of the arrest and the children’s condition,” she said.
“We don’t know what could have pushed her to this point. She was a quiet person and hardly ever shared her problems with anyone.”
The mother was transferred to Dunnottar police station, where she was formally charged for murder and attempted murder.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Nthabiseng Sello confirmed that they are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder.
“The mother made a brief court appearance in the Nigel Magistrate’s Court.
“She is currently remanded in custody until 13 June when she will appear for a formal bail application,” she said.
In the past three weeks alone, about 10 children in South Africa were killed allegedly by poisoning.
