SASELAMANI, LIMPOPO – The SAPS in Saselamani has opened two inquest dockets after two siblings died at a local clinic under mysterious circumstances. Their details have not been released.

Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, spokesperson for the police, confirmed two inquest cases had been opened to establish the circumstances surrounding the siblings’ deaths at a local clinic on Wednesday, 14 October.

The investigation seeks to establish the cause of death of the boys, aged 9 and 12. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently unknown, but the investigation will determine the cause,” said Mashaba. The deceased lived with their parents in Makuleke Village, which is located outside Malamulele in the Vhembe District.

“It is alleged that the boys returned home from playing at around 18:30. One was crying, while the other collapsed at their home. Their mother reportedly tried to establish what had happened to the children, but they were unable to talk,” said Mashaba. He said their mother arranged transport to a nearby clinic.

“One of them was declared dead on arrival. Medical staff attempted to assist the second child, but he also died,” said Mashaba.

In a separate incident in June in the same province, two young brothers, Okonaho Siphugu (6) and Otewa Thenjeni (9), died from suspected poisoning. The incident happened in Madabani Village.
The boys’ mother, Ntanganedzeni Thelma Siphugu (27), is facing two counts of murder following the incident. She allegedly administered a poisonous substance to two minors.

Both children reportedly fell ill the following day. One child was rushed to a nearby clinic, where he was certified dead. Upon returning home, family members discovered that the second child had also died. The case is ongoing while forensic post-mortem results are still outstanding. The motive for the shocking act is under investigation.

Siphugu is expected back in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court on 18 November and was granted bail set at R2 000 on 5 October. She initially abandoned her bail application.
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