A 35-year-old woman and her child have died after consuming food laced with poison at Rotterdam village outside Modjadjiskloof in Limpopo.
Police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo says the mother fed her two children the poisoned food and also ate it herself. One of the children survived and is in critical condition in hospital.
Mojapelo says they have opened one case of murder, one of attempted murder and an inquest.
Limpopo Social Development spokesperson Witness Tiva says a team of social workers has been sent to the family.
“MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale has urged all parents who are facing challenges in their families and relationships not to resort to killing and harming their children, but approach our social workers for advice and assistance.”
“As the department, we have systems in place to ensure that vulnerable children are protected and brought up in a conducive environment. A team of social workers which has been dispatched to the area will conduct assessments, as well as ensure that psychosocial support is provided to the affected family members and other parties.”
