The three men accused of selling drug-laced muffins to learners in Soshanguve, about 30km north of Pretoria, will remain behind bars until their next court appearance in December.

National Prosecuting Authority Pretoria spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says the trio appeared in the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court last Friday for bail, which was denied.

Amukelani Nyulunga (19), Ofentse Maluleka (21), and Katlego Matlala (29) face 43 counts of attempted murder.

Mahanjana says the charges stem from the men selling muffins laced with a substance with a narcotic effect to children at Pulamandibogo Primary School, in Soshanguve Block Y.

Nyulunga and Maluleka were arrested on September 20, while Matlala handed himself over to police six days later, after evidence linked him to the offence.

Mahanjana says the three asked the court to release them on bail because they are breadwinners for their families.

“They further told the court that they intend to plead not guilty to the charges,” says Mahanjana.

Prosecutor Luyanda Nkwale told the court that the state has a strong case against the three and, if granted bail, they would likely interfere with the witnesses, who are minors.

Judge Reginald Thulo said the three failed to show the court that the interest of justice permits their release and therefore denied them bail.

“Over and above, the community has a strong eye on the case and is looking to the courts to ensure that justice is carried out.”

Thulo said releasing the three would disturb the public confidence in the criminal justice system and as a result, the community would possibly take matters into their own hands.

“That will pose a danger to the three accused.”

The case was postponed to December 12, for further investigations.

SpaceMuffins trio are holding back tears after they were denied bail.

They are facing 43 counts of attempted murder after the allegedly sold muffins laced with cannabis to primary school learners in Soshanguve. pic.twitter.com/Ihl9TaJQPH

— Vehicle Trackers (@VehicleTrackerz) October 23, 2023

Ninety learners affected

It is alleged that on September 20, the three sold muffins to the learners, who after consuming them started vomiting, experiencing stomach cramps, and behaving strangely.

The principal then called an ambulance to take the children to a clinic.

Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane said 90 learners in grades R to 7 were affected and he was pleased the police had arrested the three.

He said the muffins looked normal but the teachers started witnessing abnormal behaviour from the learners immediately and called emergency services for necessary support.

“All 90 affected learners were attended to by emergency services on school premises. However, they were all subsequently rushed to different medical facilities where their condition would be monitored.

“Police visited the school as this incident caused distress among parents who also came as they were concerned for the safety of their children. Subsequently, the street vendor was identified and police will conduct their investigation accordingly.”

He said the incident was concerning and implored learners to be vigilant of what they purchased and consumed.