Cape Town – A Gauteng man whose three sons died after consuming an energy drink laced with poison has reportedly aplogised for the tragic death of his children.
Tebogo Ngcongwane, 6 , Katleho Khoabane, 13, and Lehlogonolo Khoabane, 16 were pupils at Ratanda Primary and Khanya Lesedi Secondary school.
Reports indicated that the trio and two other siblings were given the energy drink by their father on Thursday morning.
“Four siblings consumed the energy drink after arriving at school. Sadly, two of them died at the school after complaining of stomach pains.
“The third sibling died on the way to the nearest hospital. The fourth sibling is in a critical condition at the hospital. Fortunately, the fifth sibling did not consume the energy drink,” Gauteng’s education department spokesperson, Steve Mabona was quoted as saying.
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According to News24, family spokesperson Johannes Khoabane said that the father, who was found unconscious at their Ratanda home, was recovering in hospital under police guard.
Reports indicated that he had attempted to commit suicide following the incident.
Khoabane said the man had since apologised for the tragic death of his children.
“The nurses that were helping us at the clinic say he apologised. They said he is apologising. He says he doesn’t know what he was doing,” Khoabane was quoted as saying.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, said a case of murder and attempted murder had been opened against the father, reported The Citizen.
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According to EWN, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi who visited the school and the family on Friday reportedly said the department will be providing assistance, including funeral arrangements to the family of the deceased.
Lesufi said it looked like that children were intentionally poisoned, the report said.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
