Johannesburg - Nompucuko Mavis Mahamo, who is accused of killing her cousin’s daughter in the Free State, has been charged with premeditated murder.
She is also facing a schedule 6 offence.
Mahamo is accused of stabbing 3-year-old Karabo Nale 99 times outside Welkom in Kutlwanong, Odendaalsrus, Free State.
On Thursday, she made her first appearance at the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court.
The woman has not yet pleaded to the charges.
Her Legal Aid lawyer, Thabelo Nengwekhulu, requested that Mahamo be sent for mental observation.
However, before the court can do so, chief magistrate Pieter Barkhuizen said the court needed evidence of Mahamo’s medical history.
Mahamo was arrested on Sunday for the alleged murder of Karabo.
According to police spokeswoman Molebogeng Lechase, Mahamo was in possession of an Okapi knife with blood stains, two used white candles and clothes that belonged to her had blood stains.
The woman, who is a cousin of Karabo’s mother, lived under the same roof as them and had taken the little girl to the shops on Friday.
Karabo’s body was discovered by a herder on Sunday. When he found
her, Karabo’s face was covered with a jersey.
The preschooler had started creche this year.
Her alleged killer was arrested on Monday by members of the Odendaalsrus Crime Prevention Unit.
Speaking outside court, Karabo’s aunt, Mimi Mokoteli, dismissed the defence’s case that the accused needed to undergo observation.
“She is well. Why would a mentally unstable person speak for herself in court and even ask for a Legal Aid lawyer?
“Clearly, this is an indication that she is normal. She even went to normal schools,” said Mokoteli.
Residents described the woman as a lonely person.
Another resident supported Mahamo and said she needed help.
“There is a problem… Her appearance tells a story. I think there is a bit of nyaope addiction in her, but again, I think she is bitter.”
Karabo was to be buried on Friday morning in Kutlwanong, while Mahamo is scheduled to appear again in court on July 22 for a formal bail application.
The Star