NPA SECURES TWO LIFE SENTENCES FOR MOTHER WHO POISONED HER CHILDREN

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured two life sentences for 44-year-old Nonkululeko Mbatha, who was convicted of the premeditated murder of her two minor children, aged nine years and seven months.

 Judge Mfenyana handed down the sentences in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, sitting at Palm Ridge.

The court heard that on 5 February 2025, Mbatha poisoned food and fed it to her children at their home in Zuurbekom, Westonaria. The younger child died at the scene. The older child was taken to hospital, where he died on 11 February 2025.

 Mbatha also consumed some of the poisoned food in an apparent attempt to take her own life, but survived.

An investigation led by Sergeant Mokgalagadi of Westonaria SAPS revealed that, before the killings, Mbatha bought several packets of poison and food from a local takeaway. She mixed the poison with the food and fed it to her children. The court further heard that she took photographs and videos of the children while they were in distress and shared them with family members and friends. She also left a suicide note addressed to the father of one of the children.

Senior State Advocate Rolene Barnard argued for harsher sentences, submitting that Mbatha had abused the trust placed in her as a parent and deliberately killed her children after taking several preparatory steps. She argued that recording the children’s final moments was an aggravating factor, and that Mbatha’s suicide attempt should neither lessen her sentence nor relieve her of responsibility.

In her judgment, Judge Mfenyana found that Mbatha had taken several preparatory steps and had more than one opportunity to change her mind. The judge noted that the children were vulnerable and trusted their mother to care for them. The recording of their final moments was also considered aggravating, as it showed disregard for the children’s dignity and the trauma their family would endure.

The NPA welcomes the sentences, which reflect the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect vulnerable members of society. The NPA reiterates its commitment to holding those who commit violent crimes against children accountable and 6v ensuring that they face the full might of the law.

Issued by:

Magaboke Mohlatlole

NPA Communications Officer

Gauteng Division, Johannesburg