Mother gets two life terms for poisoning her two children

The Palm Ridge High Court sentenced a 44-year-old mother to two terms of life imprisonment on Monday, 19 October 2026, for the murder of her two children, the South African Police Service said in a statement.

Nonkululeko Mbatha was found guilty on two counts of murder. The court ordered that the two life sentences run concurrently.

The incident took place on 4 February 2025 at about 22:30. According to the investigation, Mbatha fed her two children food that had been poisoned. Police say she took photographs of the food and the poison before feeding the children, and later recorded a video of the younger child in distress before that child died at the scene. She then shared the photographs and video with friends and family.

Mbatha also attempted to take her own life by eating the same poisoned food. Friends and family who arrived at the scene contacted the police and emergency medical services.

The younger child was declared dead at the scene. The elder child, a 10-year-old boy, was taken for medical treatment and later transferred to another hospital. Despite that treatment, he died of his injuries a few days later.

Mbatha received medical treatment as well. The investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Odirile Alfred Mokgalagadi of Westonaria SAPS detectives, collected exhibits at the scene and submitted them to the Forensic Science Laboratory. Toxicology results confirmed that the children died as a result of poisoning.

Mokgalagadi kept in contact with hospital staff so that Mbatha would be arrested when she was discharged. Once told of the discharge, he went to the hospital and arrested her on two counts of murder. Bail was opposed successfully, and the matter was transferred to the Palm Ridge High Court for trial.

SAPS Westonaria commended Mokgalagadi for his dedication, which the statement says contributed to securing the conviction. Gauteng police said they remain committed to investigating serious and violent crimes, particularly gender-based violence and crimes against children.

The statement was issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner for Gauteng. Enquiries can be directed to Captain Tintswalo Sibeko on 082 947 8770. The original statement is published at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72035.