A 43-year-old Zimbabwean mother, Lister Nkomo, has been convicted of murdering her two young children in a public park in Johannesburg. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Nkomo was found guilty on two counts of murder for the deaths of her two-year-old daughter and seven-month-old son, who died on 3 June 2023 at Empire Park in Johannesburg after ingesting poison administered by their mother.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Nkomo contacted her sister on the day of the incident and told her that she was in trouble and intended to kill herself together with the children. Alarmed by the call, the sister informed their father, who immediately rushed to the park. When he arrived, he discovered both children lying motionless. Emergency medical personnel later declared them dead at the scene.
Murder Investigation
Nkomo was also found unconscious after allegedly consuming poison herself. She was transported to hospital, where she received medical treatment and survived. After recovering, she was placed under police guard and suicide watch before being formally arrested. Post-mortem examinations later confirmed that both children had died from poisoning.
A State forensic analyst testified that the substance involved was capable of causing death in humans. Nkomo chose not to testify during the trial. Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Terry Hlongwane led the State’s case, arguing that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to the accused having administered the poison to the children.
Guilty Verdict
The NPA said when delivering judgment, the Magistrate ruled that, without any explanation from Nkomo, the only reasonable inference was that she had poisoned the children. The matter has been postponed to May 2026 for the preparation and submission of a pre-sentence report before sentencing proceedings continue.
For more information on the South African justice system, visit the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website. The South African law is based on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
- The case has raised concerns about mental health and the need for support services in South Africa.
- The NPA has welcomed the guilty verdict and hopes that it will bring closure to the family of the victims.
- The sentencing proceedings are expected to continue in May 2026.
