Two children died an a third is fighting for his life in hospital after they ate cookies, suspected to have been laced with rat poison, in Ivory Park.

Ivory Park SAPS spokesperson Captain Ben Matimulane says the children ingested a poison known as ‘galephirimi’.

“The first child died at a local clinic, while the other died in hospital. The third remains in critical condition in the hospital, ” says Matimulane.

“The poison, known as rat poison, is illegal and dangerous. Anyone who sells this is violating the law and can be arrested,” he warns.

Matimulane says the incident happened on July 21 at Extension 3, Ivory Park.

He says the three children came into contact with the poison at their home during a house cleaning exercise.

“It is alleged that someone gave one of the children the cookies without the knowledge that they have been laced with poison. The child then shared these biscuits with his siblings,” says Matimulane.

“People should not go around buying illegal substances like this poison. This same poison has claimed the lives of five children this year,” says station commander Brigadier David Ngcobo.

It was previously reported that in June, three children died when they accidentally consumed the poison. This incident occurred in Ivory Park Extension 2.

Ngcobo urged the community to report those who sell illegal poison.

An inquest has been opened at the Ivory Park SAPS for further investigation.