The Malerato Centre for Hope orphanage in Malemodi was closed down Monday because a staff member was poisoning the children in their care, according to a statement.
The employee has been arrested on suspicion of the poisoning, “with the intent of causing grievous bodily harm,” police spokesman Tsekiso Mofokeng told AFP.
The children were rushed to hospital.
The woman allegedly gave them a white powder with their lunches after having a disagreement with management, orphanage principal Johanna Mashapa told the Sunday Times.
“We were so worried. They were vomiting and crying. They had runny stomachs and were so sick,” she said.
The orphanage is home to many children who lost their parents to AIDS.
What has subsequently happened is that 20 babies were moved to SOS Children’s Villages in Mamelodi, and since they do not have any babies in the Village it has placed them in a rather desperate situation to provide all they can for the babies.
The SOS Village need help with the following items for the babies:
Bottles
Formula
Porridge
Toiletries (Baby soap, Baby oil; Vaseline, bum creams; bath soap; shampoo, lotions)
Wet wipes, Nappies
Medicines (Panado; Calpol; pediatric probiflora )
Baby Clothes
Any other items that may be useful to care for babies
Willing donors can contact the SOS Children’s Village in Mamelodi on +27 (0)12 801 1001/2.
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