EASTERN CAPE - MURDEROUS FATHER FEEDS KIDS POISONED CHOCOLATES, KILLING 2

Eastern Cape Police have arrested a 42-year-old man for murder and attempted murder in the early hours of the morning on 22 May 2020 at Renny Locality, following the alleged poisoning of four young boys aged between 4 and 8 at Magcakeni locality, Libode.

According to the information, three (3) of the children were in the care of a neighbour, as their mother had left for Cape Town. 

The father of the children arrived at the neighbour’s homestead in the afternoon of 22 May 2020 and gave the children chocolate sweets which are suspected to have been poisoned with a Tank-Pill. 

Subsequently, all the children had to be rushed to a nearby hospital, as they fell sick from the alleged poisoned sweets.

Reports indicate that one of the boys died on the way to the hospital, whilst the other one succumbed to death whilst receiving medical treatment in the hospital. The five-year-old who is reported to be a neighbour’s child was discharged in a stable condition, whilst the third child of the three (3) boys remains under close monitoring of the hospital due to his serious condition.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the parents to the three boys were not in good terms. However, the investigation is underway to establish what could have prompted the suspect to poison the children.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Andre Swart expressed shock at the incident and has appreciated the work of the police to arrest the suspect in less than 24 hours of the incident. “The suspect must be made to see his day in court, so that he can account for his horrendous actions.” General Swart concluded.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear before the Magistrate Court on Monday 25 May 2020 to face charges relating to murder and attempted murder at Libode.

via - SAPS