Father remains in custody in Sasolburg after allegedly poisoning his toddler
EFF members protested outside court as a man accused of poisoning his son appeared briefly, with reports that he claimed insurance payouts after the child’s death.
A father who allegedly killed his son by poisoning his food is due to again appear in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court on February 24.
The 40-year-old accused from Zamdela has been charged with murder, reports Sedibeng Ster.
The accused is alleged to have laced his one-year-old son’s food with poison on November 11.
Information at Sedibeng Ster’s disposal revealed that the child later died, which led to an investigation that uncovered disturbing allegations.
Following the investigation, the toddler’s father was arrested on December 23, when he allegedly confessed to the crime.
Further allegations suggest that the child was covered under five insurance policies, which the accused allegedly claimed before the child’s burial.
During a recent court appearance, the case was postponed to February 24 for further investigation. The accused remains in custody.
Outside the court, emotions ran high as members of the EFF and community members picketed in support of the child’s mother.
Speaking to the Sedibeng Ster, Lefa Nhlapo, the EFF Metsimaholo Local Municipality chairperson and MMC for public safety, said the party felt compelled to stand with the grieving family.
“The EFF has been very vocal on child protection and gender-based violence. Our presence here is to sympathise with the family during this extremely painful time,” Nhlapo said.
Nhlapo said the EFF will continue attending court proceedings when the matter resumes in February.
“On issues of child protection and gender-based violence, we emphasise community awareness and decisive government action. Communities must report suspicious behaviour and support victims,” he said.
Sergeant Josephine Rani, the police spokesperson for the Fezile Dabi District, said a murder case has been opened.
“A case of murder is being investigated after a one-year-old boy was allegedly murdered by his father, aged 40. The suspect was arrested and appeared [in] the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court. The case has been postponed for further investigation,” Rani said.
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