Woman accused of burning children to death appears in court
"The grandmother of these children is sick because the children are yet to be buried and it has been more than two months."
The case against a woman accused of setting her children on fire has been postponed to 14 June, for a magistrate to be available.
She appeared in the Atteridgeville magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
Kamogelo (5) and Relebogile (8) Motsaneng were found burnt to death in an abandoned building in Atteridgeville extension 7 on 5 February earlier this year.
Their mother Koketso Motsaneng (25) was arrested at the Stadium plaza shopping centre in Atteridgeville, in connection with the crime after the authorities were alerted to the bodies.
Police spokesperson Constable Tumisang Moloto said local police were alerted by members of the community and upon arrival, the bodies were found burnt beyond recognition.
Outside the court, the children’s grandfather Vincent Mabuza said the incident had brought much pain to the family.
“The grandmother of these children is sick because the children are yet to be buried and it has been more than two months. We cannot get their bodies, because police are still busy with the post mortem.
“Their grandmother was staying with the three of them, now she is staying by herself. No one is looking after her now. We depend on neighbours to check her because she is very sick.”
The children’s aunt said the bodies have been at the mortuary for months now, and all the family wanted was to bury them.
“The police say they are waiting for the DNA from both the fathers because the children did not share the same father so that they can conclude if they are really their children.
“We are also sad because the mother of these children is still young. It is still a mystery to us as a family what really happened.”
#NotInMyName secretary-general Themba Masango said they were in court to show support to the family and to make sure that the two girls got justice.
“We visited the family two months ago. What is more painful is that the children have not yet been buried because the autopsy report has not yet come through. So the family are still reeling.”
Masango said they were also worried that if bail was granted to the accused, it would cause outrage among the community.
“We need the investigating officer to investigate thoroughly so that everyone involved is brought to book. That will give closure. The longer the children are in the mortuary, the longer the family suffers secondary victimisation”
Community activist Mashadi Mogolegwa said the person found guilty for the crime deserved nothing but a life sentence.
“Two life sentences is what we looking for both kids. The family is in distress and they cannot bury these children. The grandmother could not come to court because her health is deteriorating.
“Her fears are what if she were to pass on and the children had not been buried. What will happen?”
Atteridgeville police spokesperson Mapula Rikhotso said the bodies of the two young girls have not been released due to DNA confirmation.
“The investigating officer is still waiting for the DNA results.”
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