RAT POISON VICTIMS LAID TO REST; MOM CHARGED

By Masilo Malakwane

QWAQWA – The three victims who succumbed to rat poison were finally laid to rest on Sunday at Bolata village.

Tebello Selepe (4), Nolwazi Selepe (11) and Katleho Selepe (16) reportedly died on Friday the 20^th  August after ingesting rat poison.

The mother of the victims, Lebohang Selepe (27), could not attend the funeral service since she’s still in police custody. After thorough police investigations, the court decided to change the charge against the suspect from culpable homicide to murder.

This incident has since attracted the attention of many residents of QwaQwa, with community leaders eager to know what could have happened on that faithful night.

Family spokesperson, Ratjhetane Selepe said the family is still in shock.

“We are still in the dark as to what exactly happened to these kids. We’ve got many questions as to what could’ve happened that led to their passing,” said a distraught Ratjhetane.

Matshediso Wethu, the principal of Mamello Primary School where Tebello Selepe was doing grade 5, described her as a star who lived for a few years but left a lasting impression.

“It is unfortunate that today she’s no more,” said Wethu.

The Executive Mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality, Masetjhaba Lakaje- Mosia stated that the municipality has been plagued by several homicides in recent times.

“The closure of churches might have enabled evil spirits to prevail, leading to barbaric acts in the municipality.”

Meanwhile, a police statement says the accused was not at home at the time of the incident.

“The rat poison that was ingested by the victims was not found in the main room where the deceased were lying, but its traces were found in the outside room that was occupied by the eldest son.”

The court has postponed Lebohang’s bail hearing to September 21 .