The mother of three young children, killed in Timaru, New Zealand, appeared in court today.

The New Zealand Herald reported:

“Lauren Anne Dickason (40) was arrested and charged last night and appeared in the Timaru District Court this morning.”

She was charged with murdering six-year-old Liane and her twin sisters Maya and Karla (2).

“No plea was entered,” wrote NZ Herald.

“Judge Dominic Dravitzki remanded Dickason in custody to a secure forensic mental health unit until her next appearance in the High Court at Timaru on October 5.

“He ordered a mental health report to establish Dickason’s state at the time of the offending under the Crimes Act.”

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Back in SA, friends and colleagues of the Dickason family had expressed their shock about the children’s tragic death.

Drs Graham and Lauren Dickason previously worked at Netcare Pretoria East hospital, before moving with their daughters to NZ.

Pieter Louw, general manager of the hospital, said: “We are deeply saddened by what has taken place. Our hearts go out to our former colleagues, their families and loved ones to whom we offer our unconditional support at this very difficult time for them.”

The hospital did not comment on the charges against Lauren.

As the matter was now in court, NZ police also refused to comment on the murders.

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