Zimbabwean Woman Convicted in Johannesburg for Poisoning Her Two Children

The Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court has convicted a 43-year-old Zimbabwean woman of murdering her two young children by poisoning them at a public park in Johannesburg nearly three years ago. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Lister Nkomo was found guilty on two counts of murder relating to the deaths of her two-year-old daughter and seven-month-old son. The tragic incident occurred on 3 June 2023 at Empire Park in Parktown, Johannesburg.

According to evidence presented during the trial, Nkomo allegedly contacted her sister on the day of the incident and said she was facing serious problems and intended to kill herself together with the children. Concerned by the alarming call, the sister reportedly informed their father, who rushed to the park to investigate. Upon arrival, he discovered both children lying motionless.

Paramedics later pronounced the children dead at the scene, while Nkomo herself was found unconscious nearby after allegedly consuming poison. She was taken to hospital for emergency treatment and survived. After recovering, Nkomo was placed under police guard and suicide watch before being formally arrested.

Post-mortem examinations later confirmed that both children died from poisoning. During the trial, a State forensic analyst testified that the poison administered was capable of causing death in humans. Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Terry Hlongwane argued that the evidence clearly demonstrated that Nkomo had intentionally administered the poison to the children. Nkomo reportedly chose not to testify in her own defence during the proceedings.

In delivering judgment, the magistrate ruled that the State had presented overwhelming circumstantial and forensic evidence linking Nkomo to the deaths. The court stated that, in the absence of any alternative explanation from the accused, the only reasonable inference was that she had poisoned the children. Legal analysts say the ruling highlights the importance of forensic evidence and circumstantial testimony in serious criminal prosecutions.

The matter has now been postponed to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report ahead of sentencing proceedings. South African courts often request such reports in serious criminal cases involving children, mental health concerns or complex family circumstances. Child protection advocates described the case as deeply tragic and renewed calls for stronger mental health support systems for vulnerable families experiencing emotional distress and economic hardship. The conviction has also generated widespread reaction on social media in both South Africa and Zimbabwe due to the disturbing nature of the crime.

Lister Nkomo

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