Durban - The woman accused of trying to murder her two children by lacing their porridge with rat poison has been denied bail.
Pietermaritzburg Magistrate M Boikhutso on Friday found it would be in the best interests of 20-year-old Slindile Mtolo, and her two sons who survived the attempt on their lives, if she remained behind bars until the finalisation of her case.
Mtolo had applied for bail last month, so she could continue to receive her social grant and support the children.
The children are being cared for by Mtolo’s mother.
Mtolo, of Tamboville in Glenwood, Pietermaritzburg, was arrested on June 16 for the attempted murders of 4-month-old Melokuhle and 2-year-old Mthambo.
Warrant Officer Alvin Freddy, who opposed Mtolo’s bail application, revealed that Mtolo had a problem with the children’s father, who refused to support the two boys.
Mtolo, whose only income was the social welfare grant she received for her sons, tried to get help from a local NGO, but was unsuccessful.
It was after this failure that she had bought Rattex and mixed it with her children’s porridge.
When they started vomiting after eating it, she reported what had happened to a neighbour.
Police were called and she handed herself over.
Mtolo, who was sent for a mental evaluation, was remanded until later this month.
Daily News