The Madabani community outside Louis Trichardt remains in shock following the arrest of the 27-year-old mother of two boys who died on Tuesday in a suspected poisoning incident.
According to Limpopo police, the tragedy unfolded on 2 June when officers were first called to the Tshilwavhusiku Health Centre shortly after 11:00 after a six-year-old boy, Otewa Thenjeni, was brought to the facility in a critical condition.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the child had reportedly complained of stomach pains, diarrhoea and vomiting earlier that morning. His father, who does not live with him, transported him to the clinic at about 09:20. The boy was later certified dead.
Later that day, at about 12:30, police received a report of a missing nine-year-old boy, Akonaho Siphugu, who had allegedly failed to return home from school. A search was launched and the child, who was Thenjeni's brother, was later found dead at his home in Madabani village.
He was found lying on a bed. “Emergency Medical Services personnel declared him dead at the scene,” said Ledwaba.
The two brothers were Grade 1 and Grade 3 learners at Madabani Primary School.
The investigation led to the arrest of their 27-year-old mother on Wednesday, 3 June. Police have opened a murder case and the suspect is expected to appear in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate's Court soon on two counts of murder.
Local municipal councillor Muhali Makwala said the community was struggling to understand what could have led to the deaths of the two children. He said community members would attend the court proceedings in large numbers in the hope of learning more about the circumstances surrounding the case.
Makwala urged residents facing challenges to seek help by reporting their problems to traditional leaders, social workers or other relevant stakeholders who can provide assistance and support.
A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.