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A British boy was found dead next to his father in a tragic suspected murder-suicide while on holiday in South Africa.

Nine-year-old Noah Smith and his dad Vuyo Tame had travelled to Johannesburg, where they were found dead by staff in a hotel room.

It is believed Tame, thought to be 47, may have poisoned his son, a much loved member of his local Scout group, before taking his own life.

Noah's mum has paid a heartbreaking tribute to the youngster, saying he was a "bright and beautiful boy" destined for big things in life.

Noah, of Burham, Kent, was found dead alongside his father on January 8 this year.

The inquest heard how Noah died from poisoning, after large amounts of 'over-the-counter' drugs used to treat allergies, insomnia and nausea, were found in his system.

(Image: Getty)

Mum Vicky Smith, 33, said: "Noah had a rare, unforgettable charisma but also such humility.

"Noah was a fun-loving, caring, bright and beautiful boy. He was the kind of child that just shone that bit brighter.

"He was clearly destined for great achievements in life, making his death so much more tragic and so hard for me to bear."

The youngster was training for a black belt in Kung Fu and was a seconder in his Cub Scouts pack and was keen at football and tennis.

His family are now trying to come to terms with his death as an investigation is underway to establish what happened on the holiday.

Vicky added: "Noah was in black belt training at Kung Fu, and was a seconder in his Cub Scouts pack. Noah enjoyed other sports including football and tennis at school.

"Dancing, drama and swimming were also relished activities. Noah had so many talents, interests and abilities.

"I loved being his mother and felt privileged to watch him grow into such a beautiful, funny and kind boy.

"I loved every minute and special moment that I had with him, and I will cherish the memories of him forever.

"All my family and me feel his loss so very deeply, and we have been truly devastated by his death and we are struggling to deal with the aftermath.

"It is tough to see a future without Noah or accept what has happened."

At an inquest opening into Noah's death assistant coroner Ian Wade declared the deaths "extremely suspicious" and that a full inquest was needed.

At the coroner's court in Maidstone, Kent, he said: "These brief facts leave me in no doubt Noah's death is unnatural and in these circumstances an inquest is required.

"Noah was nine years old and was taken to South Africa by his father for the purpose of a holiday.

"The circumstances in which he died, in the same room as his father, are extremely suspicious.

"An investigation was not carried out in any great depth in South Africa due to the apparent circumstances of his father appearing to have taken his own life.

"I have suspicions he was involved in the sad and tragic death of Noah."

Pathologists are currently waiting for medical reports from South African officials before a full inquest can take place.

Mr Wade added: "I offer my sympathy and condolences to the family. The death of a nine-year-old in these circumstances is truly dreadful."

A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "Our staff have been supporting the family of a British child following his death in South Africa in January, and continue to do all they can to assist them."

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org .