Police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder following the death of three boys. Photo: Digitally enhanced/Pexel
Gauteng father allegedly POISONED and KILLED three of his children [Update]
Three siblings died on Thursday after consuming poison infused drinks, allegedly given to them by their father.
Police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder following the death of three boys. Photo: Digitally enhanced/Pexel
The father of three Ratanda siblings who died after consuming poison infused drinks is in hospital under police guard.
The father was found unconscious at their home on Thursday while police were investigating the matter.
POLICE INVESTIGATING A CASE OF MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER
Police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder following the death of three boys. The boys are aged 16, 13, and six from Ratanda Primary and Khanya Lesedi Secondary Schools in Ratanda near Heidelburg.
“The fourth child, a 10-year-old boy, was rushed to the hospital. The four children are alleged to have consumed a poison infused drink,”
said police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
She said police were called to a scene at a Secondary School in Ratanda and on arrival, they found two boys, aged 13 and 16, already certified dead by paramedics.
Unfortunately, the six-year-old boy was declared dead on arrival at the clinic while the 10-year-old is reported to be in a serious condition.
“The police proceeded to the siblings’ home but on arrival, they found the boys’ father unconscious in the house. He was taken to hospital under police guard as it is alleged that he might be involved in the alleged poisoning of his children.
“The SAPS Forensic Specialists were also called to the scene. The police will await the postmortem results which will determine the exact cause of death,”
said Muridili.
EDUCATION MEC DEVASTATED BY THE SIBLINGS’ DEATHS
Gauteng’s Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, has expressed his devastation over the tragic deaths of three boy siblings.
“Firstly, I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the family, particularly the mother, of the deceased learners. I further extend my condolences to friends, fellow learners and teachers of the learners, especially those who had witnessed these tragic incidents,”
said Lesufi.
Lesufi will visit both schools and siblings’ family tomorrow, 27 May 2022, starting at Ratanda Primary School at 10:00.
Furthermore, the Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to the affected schools to offer counselling to the school community at large.
He added that the services have also been offered to the bereaved family.
Police investigations are underway.
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