Klerksdorp Record, Stilfontein - A 30-year-old father was charged with the murder of his two-year-old son.
Lerato Thobatsi appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court for allegedly poisoning his children, aged two and eight years old. The toddler died in hospital. Lt-Col Amanda Funani, police spokesperson, said the father also ingested some of the poison.
“He was arrested on Thursday September 5, after being released from hospital. The eight-year-old child was not affected as he did not swallow what the father gave him.’’
She said that the suspect and his girlfriend (27) separated after an argument. “According to information at our disposal, the father went to her home in Kanana on August 30, and demanded she gave him their three children, aged eight, four and two. The next day, the girlfriend eventually consented on condition that her brother accompanies the children. However, on arrival at his place, the boyfriend instructed the children’s uncle to go back home. The uncle left with the four-year-old, leaving behind the two boys.’’
“The children’s mother received a call from the boyfriend, informing her that he was about to do something. The mother then called the children’s grandmother who informed her that they were on the way to hospital after the suspect allegedly poisoned himself and the two children,” said Funani.
The case was postponed to September 16 for a formal bail application.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-Genl Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and said that the child died in the care of his father, who was supposed to be his protector.
He applauded Stilfontein Detectives for prompt investigation that resulted in the arrest.
