By: Natasha Archary
Gauteng police are investigating the deaths of three brothers who died after their father gave them an energy drink before school.
Two of the boys from Ratanda, Heidelberg, (13 and 16) died at school on Thursday, 26 May, while the third, a 6-year old, died en-route to the hospital.
A fourth sibling (10-years) is in a critical condition in hospital, while a fifth brother fortunately did not consume the energy drink.
Police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder and it is suspected that the father allegedly poisoned his sons.
The man was found unconscious in their home on Thursday and according to reports is in hospital under police guard.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, confirmed the incident.
“On arrival at the siblings’ home, the father was found unconscious and was taken to hospital. He is currently under police guard as we believe he is involved in allegedly poisoning his sons. SAPS Forensic Specialists were also called to the scene. The police will await the postmortem results which will determine the exact cause of death.”
Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi said the department’s psycho-social teams will visit the school and community on Friday to offer counselling.
“I’m saddened to learn about a father, who this morning allegedly poisoned his 4 children. Two boys died on our school premises while the third died on his way to hospital. The fourth child is in a critical condition at the local hospital.”
MEC Panyaza Lesufi

There are no details about the children’s mother at this stage.
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