Sosh school ‘space cookie’ suspects face attempted murder charge
The case against two men accused of selling muffins laced with dagga to Soshanguve school pupils was postponed to next Friday.
The pair appeared briefly in the Soshanguve Magistrates Court on Friday, where they face charges of attempted murder.
They were arrested after nearly 90 pupils at Pulamadibogo Primary, near Pretoria, had to be rushed to the hospital after eating “space cookies” that were sold to them by a street vendor.
The pupils, who range from Grade R to Grade 7, reportedly experienced nausea, stomach cramps, and some vomiting in class.
Concerned members of the public picketed outside the court, demanding that the suspects be denied bail.
Community leader David Nkosi said he believed the duo were working for someone.
READ: Two arrested for selling ‘space cookies’ to Soshanguve pupils
“Those people deserve to rot in prison. They work for someone; I know very well that these young boys can’t just do things like that. They are under someone.
“We want to see the kingpin, and they must rot in jail as well.”
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane commended the swift action by the police.
“We are hopeful that they can apprehend more scrupulous individuals who may be involved in this criminal act, which can stand as a deterrent to others who seek to peddle drugs to our learners,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecution Authority's Lumka Mahanjana confirmed the charges againgst the two men who are aged 19 and 21.
"The men are facing 9 counts of attempted murder, for selling muffins laced with a substance with narcotic effect, to children."
The men were arrested on the day of the incident and were remanded in custody.
The matter was postponed to 29 September for further investigation and possible bail application.
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