VEREENIGING – An 18-year-old from Orange Farm has been arrested for allegedly killing his three-year-old brother with rat poison. Authorities confirmed he appeared in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court this week. The court postponed the case to February 13 for a possible bail application.
Tragic Discovery Near N1 Highway
The child’s mother was home with her three sons, aged 16, 18, and, 22 when she noticed the youngest was missing around 11 a.m. on January 31. Initially, she assumed he was at a neighbor’s house. However, when he had not returned by 1 p.m., she started searching.
At about 4 p.m., the 16-year-old brother went to a veld near the N1 highway to feed his goats. There, he allegedly saw the accused placing the child’s body inside a dustbin. Shocked, he confronted him and carried the bin home, informing their mother. The family called emergency services, and paramedics declared the child dead at the scene.
Accused Confesses, Hands Himself Over
The next day, the accused surrendered to the police. According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, he allegedly admitted to poisoning his brother using rat poison, commonly known as “Halephirimi” in townships.
Rat Poison and Rising Poisoning Cases
Notably, “Halephirimi” is easily accessible and commonly used as a pesticide. However, medical experts warn that people frequently misuse it, leading to a rise in poisoning cases. Dr. Simon Fraser, a medical professional at Tshepong Hospital, called poisoning in South Africa a growing crisis.
“I can guarantee that as we speak, a child is being treated for poisoning in a hospital,” Fraser told TimesLIVE in October last year.
In November 2024, TimesLIVE Deputy Opinions Editor Kgaugelo Masweneng warned about rising poisoning deaths. Consequently, he stressed that “children belong in playgrounds, not in coffins due to poisoning.”
Authorities Call for Stricter Regulations
Experts emphasize the need for tighter controls on hazardous substances. Dr. Fraser advised parents to store poisons securely and educate older children on the dangers of toxic substances. “Poisoning cases are increasing, and urgent action is needed to curb this crisis,” he warned.
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