NELSPRUIT – The police in Mpumalanga strongly condemned an incident in which members of a certain family at Elukwatini were reportedly poisoned in the evening of Wednesday, 06 October 2021. A two-year-old girl unfortunately died as a result meanwhile a four-year-old boy as well as their grandfather, aged 59 are fighting for their lives in hospital. A 30-year-old man has since been arrested in connection with the incident. He is due to appear before the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court today, 08 October 2021 facing a charge of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

According to the report, it is said that in the evening of the said day, a 26-year-old woman from Mooiplaas near Elukwatini prepared supper for her family and thereafter her male friend reportedly told her that something was burning in the kitchen but she indicated that the stove was off. The male friend then allegedly went to the kitchen and then returned.

Later, it is said that the woman dished for her father as well as her two children. The male friend allegedly refused to eat, citing that he will have the meal later and the woman reportedly did not have a meal as well as it is said that she often had her meal together with her male friend in the same dish.

Few moments later it is reported that the little girl got sick and started vomiting then the boy also began sick as well. Their grandfather too, joined the queue whereby the emergency services personnel were summoned but on their arrival, the younger one was certified dead. The boy as well as the woman’s father were taken to hospital for treatment.

Police at Elukwatini were informed about the incident and a case was opened accordingly. An investigation was conducted and the preliminary findings suggest that the family members became victims of alleged poisoning. The suspect was then arrested hence his court appearance.

Source: South African Police Service