Pietermaritzburg – A woman who admitted she fed her two young children porridge laced with rat poison was refused bail on Friday.Slindile Mtolo, 20, was examined by a district surgeon on Thursday to determine whether she was suffering from any mental illness, but was given a clean bill of health, her attorney Jay Sundar confirmed.
Mtolo asked the court to release her on bail, although she admits giving her sons, Melokuhle (4 months) and Mthambo (2 years) Rattex mixed with porridge, as she would not be able to receive her child grant if she remained in custody.
Currently the children are being cared for by their grandmother.
The incident happened on June 16.
Although Mtolo did not state in her affidavit why she had tried to poison her children, the investigating officer, Alvin Freddy, said it was alleged she had a problem with the children’s father, who did not want to pay maintenance.
When the children became ill and started vomiting, Mtolo changed her mind, ran to a neighbour for help and handed herself over to police.
When deciding to refuse bail, magistrate M. Boikhutso took into account concerns for Mtolo’s own safety if she was released, because the community was reported to be outraged by her actions.
She further found that there was a possibility Mtolo might interfere with the grandmother with whom the children are living, and said it was in the best interests of the children for her to remain in custody.
The case was postponed to July 27.
Medical reports in respect of the condition of the children are outstanding.
PH
