TODDLER EATS RAT POISON, DIES

NHLANGANO – Heartbreaking!

This aptly describes the accidental death of a 17-month-old boy after eating rat poison, in a shocking incident that has, once again, highlighted the need for caution when using pesticides at home.

The agonising news of the child’s death devastated the entire community of Mathendele location in Nhlangano, where infestation by the rodents is reportedly causing misery for residents. Characterised by substandard housing and squalor, Mathendele is located about 4km to the north of the timber-growing town, which is situated on the southern part of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The young boy reportedly died last Wednesday after he accidentally came into contact with the poison which had been put out on the floor for rats.
 It is suspected that the boy ingested the poisonous substance which had been set out behind the door on the floor inside a neighbour’s house. The incident unfolded while the boy was playing unsupervised with other children at a homestead where his parents are renting a one-roomed flat.
A resident said the child’s parents were away when he strayed and got closer to the neighbour’s house.

Unfortunately, the door to the neighbour’s house has a huge gap, which makes it easy for one to gain access into the inside by simply putting a hand in.
While playing with others, the child somehow wandered close to the door and got hold of the poison after inserting his hand through the gap.

Because the door had been locked, the incident caught the occupant off guard and no one noticed the toddler picking up the toxic substance.
The misfortune was only realised after a neighbour was alerted by the other terrified children the toddler was playing with. This was apparently after the child fell ill.

Sadness

The neighbour expressed her sadness and frustration after she saw the baby foaming from the mouth and writhing in pain.
She immediately took the boy and carried him on her back, in a bid to rush him to a nearby hospital on foot.

However, the attempt to save the child could not materialise after the baby stopped breathing along the way to the health facility. He was certified dead by medical personnel upon reaching the hospital.

The matter was reported at the Nhlangano Police Station, where an investigation into the child’s death was subsequently launched. A few residents were interviewed by the police, but no foul play was suspected. Investigators gathered that the neighbour had placed the poisonous substance on the floor, inside her house, hoping to kill rats which are said to be causing problems in the area.

The trouble caused by the rodents around the squalid location was also confirmed by other interviewed residents. The parents of the victim were reported to have gone home after the incident.

Neighbours said they were away over the weekend, probably busy with arrangements for the burial of their child.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the incident when sought for comment yesterday. Vilakati then warned parents to always exercise caution when using pesticides around children at their homes.

Harmful

She pleaded with parents to always keep pesticides and other harmful substances away from the reach of children.
An expert explained that rat poison generally uses an anticoagulant that thins the blood and slowly kills the target. The expert recommended that if rat poison is used, people should apply caution and great respect for the substance since it can also pose danger to human beings, especially young children and pets.

“The effects of rat poison can be dangerous to human beings, particularly those with low blood pressure.
“It is advisable to immediately contact a doctor if one suspects that a child has accidentally eaten rat poison,” advised the expert.

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