The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed two life sentences handed down to a 44-year-old mother who poisoned her two minor children, aged nine years and seven months, in a premeditated killing at their home in Zuurbekom, Westonaria.
NPA Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said Nonkululeko Mbatha was sentenced by Judge Mfenyana in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, sitting at Palm Ridge, after being convicted of the murders of her two children.
The court heard that on February 5, 2025, Mbatha bought several packets of poison and food from a local takeaway before mixing the poison with the food and feeding it to her children.
The younger child died at the scene, while the older child was rushed to hospital, where he died on February 11, 2025.
Mbatha also consumed some of the poisoned food in what appeared to be an attempt to take her own life, but survived.
An investigation led by Westonaria SAPS Sergeant Mokgalagadi revealed that Mbatha had taken several steps to prepare for the killings.
The court further heard that she took photographs and videos of her 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.
During sentencing proceedings, 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.
Barnard argued that recording the children’s final moments was an aggravating factor. She further submitted that Mbatha’s attempt to take her own life should not lessen her sentence or absolve her of responsibility for the murders.
In her judgment, Judge Mfenyana found that Mbatha had taken several preparatory steps and had more than one opportunity to change her mind before carrying out the killings.
The judge noted that the children were vulnerable and had trusted their mother to care for and protect them.
The recording of their final moments was also considered an aggravating factor, as it demonstrated disregard for the children’s dignity and the trauma their deaths would cause their family.
The NPA welcomed the sentences, saying they reflected the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect vulnerable members of society.
The authority reiterated its commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crimes against children accountable and ensuring that they face the full might of the law.
