What Happened in Parktown

A 43‑year‑old Zimbabwean woman, Lister Nkomo, was found guilty of murdering her two young children in a Johannesburg park. The case shocked the community and raised questions about mental health and family support.

The Day of the Tragedy

On June 3, 2023, Lister took her two‑year‑old daughter and seven‑month‑old son to Empire Park in Parktown. While there, she gave them a poisonous substance. Both children became unresponsive and were later declared dead at the scene.

How the Family Reacted

Before going to the park, Lister called her sister and said she was in trouble and planned to hurt herself and the children. The sister told their father, who rushed to the park. He found the children lying motionless and called emergency services.

What Happened to Lister

After the children collapsed, Lister also took poison and fell unconscious. Paramedics revived her and took her to a hospital. She survived, was placed under police protection and put on suicide watch before being arrested.

Evidence Presented in Court

Autopsy Findings

Medical examiners confirmed that both children died from poisoning. The toxin was identified as a substance capable of causing fatal harm in humans.

Witness Testimony

The state’s forensic analyst explained how the poison works and why it would lead to death. Lister’s sister testified about the phone call where Lister expressed her intent to harm herself and the children.

Prosecution’s Argument

Prosecutor Terry Hlongwane argued that the evidence—phone call, toxicology reports, and the scene—clearly showed Lister gave the poison to her children. Lister chose not to testify in her own defense.

Verdict and What Comes Next

The judge ruled that, without any explanation from Lister, the only reasonable conclusion was that she poisoned her children. She was convicted on two counts of murder. The case was postponed to May 2026 so a pre‑sentence report can be prepared before sentencing continues.

Conclusion

This tragic case highlights how quickly a personal crisis can turn into violence against innocent lives. It also underscores the importance of listening to warning signs, offering mental‑health support, and ensuring families have access to help before situations escalate. The legal process will now determine the appropriate punishment, while the community continues to mourn the loss of two young lives.