Mother sentenced to two life terms for poisoning her two children

How the case reached the high court

The court heard that on 5 February 2025 Mbatha fed poisoned food to her children. The seven-month-old infant died at the scene. The elder child, a nine-year-old boy, was taken to hospital but died six days later, on 11 February 2025.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Mbatha also ingested some of the poisoned food in what was described during proceedings as an apparent suicide attempt; she survived.

Evidence and investigative findings

Investigators from Westonaria SAPS, led by Sergeant Mokgalagadi, traced a number of steps that preceded the deaths. The probe found that Mbatha had purchased several packets of poison and had also bought food from a local takeaway before mixing the poison into the meals she served to the children.

While the children were injured and dying, the court heard that Mbatha took photographs and videos of them. That material was shared with family members and friends. She also left a suicide note addressed to the father of one of the children.

The prosecution described these actions as part of a deliberate plan and presented them to the court as evidence of premeditation.

Court findings and sentence

Judge Sandiswa Mfenyana found that the murders were carefully planned and that Mbatha had opportunities to change course but did not do so. The judge emphasised that both children were particularly vulnerable and entirely dependent on their mother for care.

The court concluded that the act of recording the children’s last moments and sharing that material demonstrated a disregard for their dignity and aggravated the harm experienced by relatives. On that basis the judge imposed two life sentences.

Prosecution’s case and aggravating factors

Senior State Advocate Rolene Barnard told the court that the killings were planned and that Mbatha had abused the trust placed in her as a parent. The prosecution argued that the recording of the children’s suffering constituted a significant aggravating factor and that the accused’s failed suicide attempt should not reduce her criminal responsibility.

Official reaction

The National Prosecuting Authority issued a public response welcoming the sentence. NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatole described the outcome as reflecting the seriousness of the crimes and reaffirmed the authority’s stance on violent offences against children.

“The NPA reiterates its commitment to holding those who commit violent crimes against children accountable and ensuring that they face the full might of the law,”

Mohlatole added that the NPA remains committed to ensuring justice for children who fall victim to violent crime.

Why the ruling matters

This case draws attention to several issues that courts, investigators and child protection agencies regularly confront: the vulnerability of children who rely on caregivers, the role of premeditation in sentencing, and the use of digital material as part of criminal evidence. In this trial the combination of preparatory actions identified by investigators and the sharing of images and video were central to the judge’s assessment of culpability and the severity of the sentence.

Sentences of life imprisonment are reserved for the gravest offences; where a court finds premeditation and aggravating conduct, judges may impose the heaviest available penalties to reflect the harm caused and to uphold public protection and justice for victims and their families.

What happened during the investigation (summary)

• Purchases: Investigators found Mbatha purchased multiple packets of poison and food from a takeaway.
• Preparation: The poison was mixed into meals served to the children.
• Aftermath: The infant died at the home; the older child died days later in hospital.
• Evidence gathering: Photographs and videos taken by Mbatha were shared with others and submitted during court proceedings.
• Suicide attempt: Mbatha consumed some poison but survived.

After the verdict

With the judge’s ruling and imposition of two life terms, the case now reflects both a legal resolution for the state and a moment of closure for the prosecution’s effort to secure accountability. The court’s findings emphasised the particular vulnerability of the victims and the aggravating impact of the recorded images, factors that informed the sentence imposed.

Context for readers

Criminal proceedings that involve children and allegations of deliberate harm commonly involve careful forensic and testimonial work to establish motive, opportunity and intent. Where premeditation is proven and aggravating conduct is present, courts frequently point to those elements when determining sentence severity. The authorities involved in this matter presented a sequence of actions that the judge found sufficient to conclude the killings were planned.

The NPA’s public statement reiterates a broader prosecutorial focus on violent crimes against children and signals the authority’s intention to pursue such cases through the courts.

The reporting here is based on evidence and statements presented in court, the findings of the investigating officers and remarks from prosecution and judicial authorities as recorded during the trial.