Amukelani Nyulunga, 19; Ofentse Maluleka, 21; and Katlego Matlala, 29, appeared at the Soshanguve Magistrates Court yesterday after they were accused of selling muffins laced with dagga to primary school learners.

CHARGES

The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the three are facing 43 counts of attempted murder after 90 learners consumed the laced muffins. "It is alleged that on Wednesday, 20 September, the first two accused - Nyulunga and Maluleka - sold these muffins to school children from Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve Block Y. It is further alleged that the children started vomiting, experiencing stomach cramps and behaving strangely at school," Mahanjana said, adding that teachers alerted emergency services, who took the learners to various health facilities. She said the third accused Matlala handed himself to the police and was arrested on 26 September, after evidence linked him to the offence. Nyulunga and Maluleka were arrested on the same day of the incident and remain in custody.

BAIL APPLICATION 

Starting his bail arguments, the defence for the three accused asked whether the food that the learners ate during lunch break, which is part of the school nutrition programme, was tested. Mahanjana said all three accused:" intend to plead not guilty. They have no previous convictions or pending cases, no passports, first-time offenders and they have no business interests outside South Africa. In their affidavits the accused said they won't evade trial." The bail application for the three accused started yesterday but the matter was postponed to 20 October.