By: ANG Reporter
The mother of two Free State siblings who died after allegedly eating poisoned beans has been arrested.
It is alleged that the siblings, 14-year-old Mamsi Portia Pamplen and 10-year-old Meiki Mokoena from Utopia Farm School, near Bethlehem consumed brown beans before going to school on Wednesday.
On arrival at the school, they complained of abdominal cramps. They were swiftly taken to the nearby clinic where they were certified dead on arrival.
The father of the deceased pupils also passed on his way to the hospital after he also ate the same beans.
Another sibling of the deceased pupils, Lerato Mokoena (11) who consumed the same beans was admitted at Phekolong Hospital where she is fighting for her life.
Free State MEC of Education Tate Makgoe sent his condolences to the families of the two learners.
Makgoe said, “South African Police Service are investigating circumstances surrounding this dreadful incident.”
“The department was devastated to receive news of the death of these learners,” added MEC Makgoe.
The mother and the aunt of the deceased learners have been arrested and will appear in Bethlehem Magistrate in due course.
“The Department of Social Development in the province will provide counselling to the family of the deceased learners, teachers, and Utopia Farm School fellow learners,” Makgoe said.
“We call on the business sector, NGOs, faith-based organisations, Dihlabeng local Municipality, Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality, and other organs of State to lend a helping hand in ensuring that these learners and their father receive a decent funeral,” Make said.
“We are deeply saddened by these untimely deaths and wish to convey our condolences to the family who lost their children in this tragic way,” he said.
