By AGISANANG SCUFF
10 September 2026 – A Zimbabwean woman, Lister Nkomo (43) was sentenced to an effective 30 years direct imprisonment for the murders of her two young children. Nkomo was convicted on two counts of murder in the Johannesburg Regional Court following the deaths of her two-year-old daughter and seven-month-old son on 3 June 2023.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole said evidence presented before the court revealed that Nkomo contacted her sister on the day of the incident and informed her that she was in trouble at a park in Empire Park, Parktown. Mohlatlole said she further disclosed her intention to take her own life along with those of her children.
“Alarmed by the call, the sister immediately alerted their father, who rushed to the scene and found the children unresponsive. Paramedics declared both children dead at the scene. Nkomo was transported to hospital, where she survived after receiving medical treatment for poisoning.
“Investigations conducted by Sergeant Mangokoana established that both children had been poisoned. Post-mortem examinations, together with toxicology analyses, confirmed that the children died after ingesting Terbufos, a highly toxic substance commonly found in certain pesticides and rat poison and capable of causing death in humans,” she said.
Mohlatlole further said following the presentation of the state’s case, Nkomo elected not to testify or present evidence in her defence. She added that the court subsequently found her guilty on both counts of murder.
“In delivering judgment, the court described the offences as particularly serious, noting that Nkomo had taken the lives of her own children. The court further found no evidence of remorse, observing that she continued to deny responsibility for the crimes, including during the compilation of the pre-sentence report,” said Mohlatlole.
She said the acting Regional Court Prosecutor, Terry Hlongwane argued that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence for murder. Mohlatlole said the state submitted that the gravity of the offences, coupled with the vulnerability of the victims, warranted a significant custodial sentence.
“The court agreed with the state’s submissions and sentenced Nkomo to 15 years’ direct imprisonment on each count of murder, ordering that the sentences run consecutively. She was accordingly sentenced to an effective 30 years direct imprisonment.
“In addition, the court declared Nkomo unfit to possess a firearm and unsuitable to work with children in terms of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. The court further directed that her name be entered into the National Child Protection Register,” she said.
Welcoming the outcome, Mohlatlole further said the NPA said the sentence reflects the seriousness with which the criminal justice system treats crimes committed against children and underscores the principle that those who prey on the most vulnerable members of society will be held accountable. She added that the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of serious and violent crimes are successfully prosecuted.
“Justice for vulnerable victims remains a priority, and the NPA will continue to pursue appropriate sentences in cases involving crimes against children,” said Mohlatlole.
The Guardian 