Thokozile Mnguni
What began as a tragic family crisis has ended in a courtroom conviction that has left many shaken by the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two young children.
The mother, a Zimbabwean national, Lister Nkomo (43), has been convicted on two counts of murder by the Johannesburg Magistrates Court after she was found guilty of killing her two minor children.
The court ruled that Nkomo was responsible for the deaths of her two-year-old daughter and seven-month-old son. They were poisoned on 3 June 2023 at Empire Park in Parktown, Johannesburg.
The court heard that on the day of the incident, Nkomo called her sister in distress. She said she was in trouble. She also said she intended to kill herself and her two children.
Alarmed, the sister alerted their father. He rushed to the park. On arrival, he found both children unresponsive.
Paramedics declared the children dead at the scene. Nkomo was also found unconscious after ingesting poison. She was taken to the hospital, where she survived. She was later placed under police guard and suicide watch before being arrested.
Post-mortem results confirmed that both children died from poisoning. A State Forensic Analyst testified that the substance used was capable of causing death in humans.
During the trial, Nkomo chose not to testify. Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Terry Hlongwane led the State’s case and proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In delivering judgment, the magistrate ruled that there was no explanation from the accused. The court found the only reasonable inference was that Nkomo had administered the poison.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the conviction. It said the outcome reflects the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
The matter has been postponed to 28 May 2026 for a pre-sentence report ahead of sentencing.