A 38-year-old father from Assen near Brits was arrested for murder after he allegedly poisoned his two young sons, aged 11 and 12, with rat poison on Friday.

Dannyboy Fistos Khumalo (38) initially reported to the police on Friday, 15 May, that his sons had died after drinking rat poison, and the police opened an inquest docket after the boys were found dead on a property in the Vaalkop area. However, during the police investigation, it came to light that the father had allegedly poisoned the two boys, the police said.

“He was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. The motive for the crime is unknown at this stage and the investigation continues,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.

Khumalo appeared in the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 19 May, for the alleged murder of his two sons. He was remanded in custody until 2 June for formal bail application.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his shock and strongly condemned the incident. He also commended the police members who investigated the boys’ death and linked the father to the horrific crime.