Mother criticised for not crying at funeral of poisoned daughters
A grieving South African mother has faced harsh backlash on social media after she did not visibly cry during the funeral of her two young daughters, who were allegedly poisoned.
📍 Tragic loss
The case relates to a heartbreaking incident in Durban, where two young girls lost their lives in a suspected poisoning.
- Reports suggest the children were allegedly poisoned by their father before he took his own life
- The incident has left the family and community in deep shock and mourning
⚰️ Funeral reaction sparks debate
During the funeral, the mother’s emotional response became a topic of public discussion:
- Some social media users criticised her for not appearing to cry publicly
- Others questioned her reaction, expecting visible grief
However, the mother later explained that:
- She was dealing with shock, numbness, and overwhelming trauma
- Grief does not always show through tears or outward emotion
- People process loss in different and deeply personal ways.

💔 Understanding grief
Experts and supporters have come to her defence, emphasising that:
- There is no “correct” way to grieve
- Some people shut down emotionally as a coping mechanism
- Public judgment can worsen trauma for those already suffering
The mother is reportedly receiving support as she navigates the devastating loss of her children.
⚠️ Social media backlash
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about:
- The dangers of judging grief based on appearance
- How social media can amplify criticism during sensitive moments
- The need for compassion and understanding in times of tragedy
🧠 Key takeaway
Grief is deeply personal — not everyone cries, and not crying does not mean not hurting. This case highlights the importance of showing empathy instead of judgment, especially in moments of profound loss.

