The 27-year-old mother accused of killing her two sons, allegedly by poisoning them, abandoned her bail application when she appeared in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 June.
The court proceedings attracted a large crowd, with community members, particularly young mothers, picketing outside the court and calling for bail to be denied. Police maintained a strong presence and initially allowed only relatives and community leaders into the courtroom because of limited space.
As the proceedings continued, the public prosecutor requested that the doors be opened to allow more community members to observe the hearing. Hundreds of residents had gathered outside the courtroom to follow the case.
The accused, Ntanganedzeni Thelma Siphugu (27), faces charges relating to the deaths of her two sons, Akonaho Siphugu (9) and Otewa Thenjeni (6), who allegedly died after being poisoned.
Siphugu appeared calm throughout the proceedings while standing in the dock.
During the hearing, the prosecutor requested that the accused be referred for mental observation. Her legal representative opposed the application. After questioning the accused, the magistrate ruled that she was fit to stand trial and dismissed the request for mental observation.
The case was postponed to 28 August for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the two boys are expected to be buried at Madabani Cemetery. The funeral service is scheduled to commence at 06:30.