Authorities in Limpopo are currently investigating a heartbreaking incident that resulted in the deaths of a 39-year-old man and his five-year-old son. The tragedy unfolded in Bela-Bela, Extension 6, on Friday when the pair allegedly consumed biscuits suspected to be laced with poison.
The deceased have been identified as Mpho Lefoka and his father, Tshepo Koos Ramotsho. According to Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, a police spokesperson, preliminary investigations have revealed that the father had a heated argument with his girlfriend earlier that morning.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: South Africans Brace For Load Shedding, Eskom To Alternate Between Stages 2 And 3
Later in the day, Ramotsho reportedly took his son out of a creche and returned him to his mother in the evening. However, tragedy struck when the five-year-old complained of stomach pains and revealed that his father had given him the biscuits. His mother immediately rushed him to the local clinic for medical assistance, but unfortunately, he passed away upon arrival.
Meanwhile, members of the community at Extension 6 gathered and attempted to attack Ramotsho, but the police swiftly intervened to stabilize the situation.
Ramotsho himself went to the clinic after experiencing stomach aches and confessed to medical personnel that he had intentionally poisoned the biscuits he shared with his son.
He was initially treated at the clinic but was later transferred to Bela-Bela Hospital, where he was also pronounced dead by doctors.
Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial police commissioner, has urged troubled couples to seek professional assistance when facing relationship or marital problems.
She emphasized the importance of consulting social workers, marriage counselors, pastors, and traditional leaders, stating that this tragic incident could have been prevented with the appropriate support and guidance.
The police investigation is still ongoing as authorities work to uncover all the details surrounding this devastating event.
As more information becomes available, the community and the public at large are urged to cooperate with the authorities and provide any relevant information that may assist in the investigation.
