Zimbabwean Mother Convicted of Poisoning Her Two Young Children in Johannesburg
A 43-year-old Zimbabwean woman has been convicted of murdering her two young children after poisoning them in a heartbreaking case that stunned residents in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Lister Nkomo was found guilty by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday on two counts of murder linked to the deaths of her two-year-old daughter and seven-month-old son.
The tragic incident occurred on 3 June 2023 at Empire Park in Parktown.
Also Read: Zimbabwean Woman Arrested Over Alleged Kidnapping of Two Babies From South Africa
Disturbing Call Before the Incident
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), events leading to the deaths unfolded after Nkomo contacted her sister and reportedly revealed that she was facing difficulties and intended to take her own life together with the children.
Concerned by the alarming conversation, the sister immediately informed the children’s father, who rushed to the park in an attempt to intervene.
When he arrived at the scene, he allegedly found the two children unresponsive.
NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlola said emergency medical personnel later confirmed the children had died at the scene.
Mother Survived After Taking Poison
Mohlatlola said Nkomo was also discovered unconscious after allegedly consuming poison herself.
“She was rushed to hospital, where she received medical treatment and survived. Thereafter, she was placed under police guard and suicide watch before being formally arrested,” Mohlatlola said.
Post-mortem examinations later established that both children died from poisoning.
During court proceedings, a State forensic analyst testified that the poison used was capable of causing death in humans.
The court also heard that Nkomo chose not to testify during the trial.
Court Finds State Proved Its Case
Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Terry Hlongwane led the prosecution and successfully argued the matter before the court.
In delivering judgment, the magistrate said the evidence presented by the State pointed to only one reasonable conclusion.
The court ruled that, without any explanation from the accused, the only reasonable inference was that Nkomo had administered poison to her children.
Sentencing Proceedings Pending
The matter was postponed to 28 May 2026 for the preparation and presentation of a pre-sentence report before sentencing.
Mohlatlola said the NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability in crimes involving children and other vulnerable people.
The post Zimbabwean Mother Convicted of Poisoning Her Two Young Children in Johannesburg appeared first on iHarare News.
