A woman allegedly fed poison to her infant son and attempted suicide in Hlatikulu.
The mother is undergoing treatment at the Hlatikulu Government Hospital, while the 11-month-old baby could not make it.
Police said the incident happened on Thursday at the woman’s parental homestead in Sibetsamoya, reportedly due to monetary and family-related stress.
A murder case has been opened against the woman at the Hlatikulu Police Station, according to authorities.
Family Statements
Information reaching this publication indicated that the woman stays with her mother at Sibetsamoya.
The suspect’s mother allegedly told the police that her daughter had previously hinted she might do something drastic.
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She claimed her daughter was facing financial hardships, had mounting debt, and was struggling to feed her children.
This reportedly led the young woman to attempt suicide after allegedly feeding her baby poisoned food, which she later consumed herself.
Details of the Incident
According to the elderly woman, her daughter first mixed the food with pesticide and fed the mixture to the baby.
She then laced her own food with the same poison and consumed it.
Moments later, the woman was heard crying for help. She was found vomiting and rushed to Hlatikulu Government Hospital.
Police Confirmation
Police Chief Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, confirmed the incident.
An investigation is underway to establish the full sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
Community and Expert Reactions
A community leader recently conceded that steep unemployment and widespread poverty were taking a heavy toll on young people in the area, adding that several have contemplated suicide amid growing desperation.
“It’s a serious problem,” he said.
A clinical psychologist emphasised the need for counselling services and advised young people to seek help whenever confronted by problems.
“Ending one’s life is not worth it, and can never provide any solution to whatever problem,” she said.
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