The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court has granted R5 000 bail to a 40-year-old Community Policing Forum (CPF) member accused of murdering her 21-year-old son.

According to Alex News, the woman, a mother of four, appeared for a formal bail application yesterday. She faces a single count of murder after her adult son was stabbed to death, allegedly by her, on July 5 at their home in Alexandra.

Kitchen argument turned fatal

The prosecution said the incident followed an argument in the kitchen, sparked by the son’s apparent intoxication. The dispute escalated, culminating in the fatal stabbing, witnessed by two of the accused’s minor children.

Describing the charge as a Schedule 5 offence — a serious crime requiring stringent bail scrutiny — the state acknowledged its gravity but did not oppose bail. “There is no element of premeditation that the state is alleging,” the prosecutor said, emphasising that the act was not planned. The state urged the court to balance the interests of justice with the needs of the accused’s children, especially her infant.

Defence cites community ties

The defence presented the accused’s affidavit, which underscored her deep roots in Alexandra. In it, the accused revealed that Alexandra is not only her home, but also her family’s and her workplace as a CPF member. She noted that she does not have any travel documents. It was on the basis of this affidavit that the defence assured the court the accused posed no flight risk.

The defence stated that the accused has no prior convictions, pending cases or protection orders. In her affidavit, she also committed to not interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation should she be released on bail.

Court ruling and bail conditions

After a two-hour adjournment, the magistrate delivered her ruling. “There is no evidence before this court that she may attempt to flee justice,” the magistrate stated, citing the accused’s lack of travel documents and strong community ties. She also found no evidence suggesting the accused would commit further crimes, intimidate witnesses or disturb public order.

Bail was set at R5 000, with conditions including that the accused report to the Alexandra Police Station once a week, be moved to an alternative home, and have no contact with witnesses. She was, however, allowed to reunite with her infant child.

The case was postponed to August 13 for further investigation.

• Alex News knows the identity of the accused but has chosen to withhold it to protect the privacy of the minor witnesses involved.

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