AMUKELANI Nyulunga (19), Ofentse Maluleka (21) and Katlego Matlala (29) appeared in the Soshanguve Magistrates Court in Tshwane on Friday, 20 October, for a decision on their bail.
The court denied them bail. The three men are charged with 43 counts of attempted murder. The men allegedly sold muffins laced with a substance with narcotic effect to pupils at Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve, Tshwane, on 20 September 2023.
It is alleged that after eating the muffins, the pupils started vomiting, got stomach cramps and behaved strangely in school.
The community leader in Soshanguve, David Nkosi (58), said they want justice for the children and no bail for the suspects.
"It was a bail hearing and bail was denied. We know what happened in court. They don't deserve bail, what about the learners," he said.
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He said they want justice for the learners. He said for now they are happy with how the case is being handled.
SANCO convener in Tshwane, Velaphi Khoza, said: "We are satisfied with the proceedings as the suspects were denied bail."
Gauteng Department of Education spokesman Steve Mabona said the department was satisfied with the way the matter was going.
"What encourages us is the work that the police have done in this case. We are comforted that the prosecution is likely to take its course. It is quite worrying that apart from this case, there are many other cases where biscuits/snacks were bought from various spaza shops. We don't know if this is deliberate, but it is very worrying," he said.
Mabona called on community members to work with relevant authorities.
The case was postponed to Tuesday, 12 December for further investigations.
