Poverty shame maims, kills
The Citizen|December 13, 2024
Poverty is humiliating. Those without income are often forced to endure nasty remarks as they beg relatives and neighbours for a plate of food just to survive.
Thembela Khamango
Poverty shame maims, kills

Sadly, in South Africa, the shame of starvation has driven parents to kill their own children and then commit suicide.

The latest incident was that of Bongeka Buso, 38, who apparently killed her three kids and herself at Tholeni village in the Eastern Cape last year. Police said they believed she had poisoned the younger two, aged five and eight years old, and stabbed the 14-year-old before taking her own life, due to starvation.

There are several similar cases. One was a woman in Witbank, Mpumalanga, who murdered her four children in 2019 because she was battling to take care of them financially. They often had to beg to eat.

Whenever we report on such incidents it leaves me heartbroken for these mothers who resort to taking life because of poverty. It shows the cruelty of the shame and stigma associated with poverty that leaves the poor feeling alone and not valued by society.

This story is from the December 13, 2024 edition of The Citizen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 13, 2024 edition of The Citizen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE CITIZENView All
Heritage rescheduled at Vaal
The Citizen

Heritage rescheduled at Vaal

Strydom the jockey to follow on rest of the card.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Quitting on TV: good or bad?

Clinton Larsen became the second coach to quit live on television this season on Saturday.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Sharks make a move in the URC

The Sharks made their move up the United Rugby Championship (URC) table with a breathtaking derby win over the Bulls in Durban, while the Stormers returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over the Lions in Cape Town.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
PINK PROTEAS PLUCKED
The Citizen

PINK PROTEAS PLUCKED

ODI: KLAASEN HEROICS NOT ENOUGH AS PAKISTAN SECURE 3-0 WHITEWASH

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Larsen quits after Cup loss

Magesi FC head coach Clinton Larsen announced his resignation live on television after his side were beaten 3-0 by the Carling All Stars in the Carling Cup on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Usyk maintains perfect record
The Citizen

Usyk maintains perfect record

GREATEST: UKRAINIAN PRAISES HIS 'BEST FRIEND' FURY

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Tai hopes to keep cool at Masters

Singapore - Amateur Hiroshi Tai cites Green Jacket winners Hideki Matsuyama and Scottie Scheffler among his golfing heroes and is hoping \"not to be in awe\" of them when he becomes the first Singaporean to tee off at the US Masters in April.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Pep: we will come right eventually

Birmingham - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted his struggling Premier League champions will regain their confidence after a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday meant they had lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Hot Liverpool hit Spurs for six
The Citizen

Hot Liverpool hit Spurs for six

EPL: MAN UNITED WELL BEATEN AS EVERTON HOLD BLUES

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Blue chips ditching ESG
The Citizen

Blue chips ditching ESG

LOANS: 'STILL COMMITTED TO GOVERNANCE'

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024