​A heart-wrenching case of alleged filicide has shaken the community of Phumulamqashi informal settlement in Lenasia. The Gauteng Department of Social Development has stepped in to offer psychosocial support and stand in solidarity with a grieving father whose two sons were allegedly poisoned by their mother.
On Wednesday, 30 April 2025, the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court denied bail to 35-year-old Nonhlanhla Digoro,who is facing two counts of premeditated murder for the poisoning deaths of her sons, Setshaba (10) and Botlhale (8).The accused, originally from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, is alleged to have committed the crime just days before Mother’s Day.
In a show of compassion and solidarity, members of the Department’s Men’s Forum arrived in large numbers to support the children’s father, Simon Digoro, during the court proceedings. Dressed in departmental attire and holding placards condemning gender-based violence and child abuse, they delivered a clear message: Men have a role to play in ending violence and supporting victims.
Speaking outside the court, Digoro, still visibly shaken, recounted the tragic events. “We were planning a surprise breakfast in bed for their mom. They made beautiful cards. But she called them from playing in the street, gave them juice, and they drank it, even though my eldest questioned what the black stuff in the juice was,” he said.
One of the boys collapsed shortly after and was rushed to hospital. The other was later found in the toilet, in pain and alone. The mother reportedly drank some of the poisoned juice herself and collapsed in front of medical staff at the hospital, where she and the children were admitted.
“Five days later, my older son passed away. While in hospital, he opened his eyes and told me that their mother gave them the juice. She confessed soon after. My younger son died after his brother’s burial,”Digoro said tearfully.
As the family struggles to come to terms with the trauma, the Gauteng Department of Social Development has continued to provide support through its Social Workers and the Men’s Forum, which advocates for responsible fatherhood and challenges harmful gender norms.
"We are here to support Mr. Digoro and all men who stand against violence. We commend him for his strength and for allowing us to walk this painful journey with him," said a Men’s Forum representative.
The Department has reiterated its commitment to fighting gender-based violence and supporting affected families through counselling and court support services.
The case was postponed to 30 July for further proceedings.