The community of Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape has been rocked to its core after a mother allegedly killed her three children before taking her own life.
This tragedy happened just 24 hours after the Government commemorated World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday.
Police Spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says 41-year-old Veziwe Ntsizela and her four children were sleeping at their grandmother's house on Monday when she allegedly woke them up in the early hours of the morning.
She says Ntsizela allegedly told her daughters, aged between four and 14, that they had to accompany her for a prayer in another room but instead, they were taken to the forest in Luzuphi locality where they were forced to drink pills.
Colonel Naidu says Ntsizela's eldest daughter refused and managed to run away to alert others in the homestead who called authorities.
She says when police arrived they discovered the bodies of Iyapha (4), Phile (8) and Inga Ntsizela (12).
The mother was still missing and the Grahamstown Search and Rescue Unit found her body on Tuesday morning.
Ntsizela was found 100 meters from the crime scene in dense bushes.
Police are investigating three cases of murder and an inquest docket.
Last month, a similar tragedy played out in the Tholeni Administrative area in Butterworth when a 38-year-old mother, Bongeka Buso, was found hanging from a rope.
Buso allegedly poisoned her two daughters, aged five and eight, who were found on their beds while her 14-year-old was found on the floor with a knife in her neck.
The motive for Buso's actions was also believed to have been driven by poverty.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, expressed sadness and concern at their deaths.
"It is a deeply concerning and heart-breaking issue that women facing poverty can be driven to such despair. Socioeconomic challenges can exacerbate their vulnerability to mental health issues. Addressing poverty and promoting mental health support is crucial to prevent such tragedies. As we commemorate Women’s Month, I urge women to raise their voices and speak out," she said.
If you are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts please contact the Suicide crisis line toll-free 0800 567 567 (24-hours).
