Africa-Press – Eswatini. Samukelisiwe Judith Ginindza, 33, appeared in court yesterday, facing three counts of murder after allegedly killing her sons aged three, five and nine.
Ginindza was arrested on Friday, following allegations that she fed her children a poisonous substance. The mother of four, who is from Nsingweni, under Chief Maloyi, was in the first count, alleged to have killed Khayalethu Mloto Dlamini on January 16, 2024. Khayalethu was aged nine when he died. In the second count, she was alleged to have on the same date, killed Nkosingiphile Langeni Dlamini, who was aged five at the time of his demise.
Charge sheet
According to the charge sheet, in the third count, she allegedly killed Temalangeni Dlamini, who was three years of age when she died on the aforementioned date. Ginindza appeared at the Pigg’s Peak Magistrates Court, where during the court proceedings, was warned of her legal rights and she elected to conduct her own defence. The prosecution sought the court to remand Ginindza in custody until January 31, 2024 and or pending her committal to the High Court for her bail application. It is worth noting that the mother of four was admitted to Dvokolwako Health Centre last Tuesday, after the demise of her three children. Upon her being discharge on Friday, she was arrested by the police. This was a day after the Deputy Prime Minister’s (DPM) Office issued a statement saying children were the future of families and the perpetual existence of this nation.
The Thuli Dladla-led office expressed sadness at the reports of the killing of three minor children through poisoning by their mother. The DPM’s Office stated that families, communities and individuals must implement measures that safeguard children from all acts of violence. It was said that, as a nation, all citizens had a responsibility to raise awareness on the importance of protecting children and that Eswatini was fit for every child. “The nation is reminded that the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Children’s Act have the highest regard for children. Their protection and non-violation of their rights; protecting children from violence is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in these legislative frameworks,” reads in part the statement.
Commitment
The DPM’s Office expressed resolute commitment in assisting parents and families in caring for children. Through the statement, it was said the DPM’s Office had regional Social Welfare offices, which were available to provide support. Furthermore, the statement stated that the office housed the Gender and Family Issues Department, which was also ready to assist families on various issues. The nation was further encouraged by the DPM’s Office to visit nearby Social Welfare offices for engagement on any social issue, so that ideal solutions to challenges at hand may be explored to avoid such incidences. The statement also expressed the condolences and sympathies to the families affected.
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