A mom is expected to appear in court this coming week after she allegedly set her shack on fire while her baby was still inside.

The 27-year-old mom is expected to appear before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

According to Captain Elizabeth Hlathi, Vosman police spokespersont, the incident that happened yesterday at 03:00 left the community shocked.

Hlathi said police had to step in and rescue the mom when angry community members wanted to take law into their own hands.

“The community informed police that the suspect had allegedly intentionally burnt her shack after she fought with her husband. According to one neighbour, she requested the suspect to hand over the child for safety reasons but she refused. The neighbour said she was later awakened by screams from people who informed her about a burning shack,” Hlathi said.

The Acting Station Commander of Vosman, Colonel Gayane Mashego labelled the incident as unbelievable and heartless.

He used this opportunity to urge the community to seek help should they be confronted with social problems rather than resort to deadly conclusions.