Two women who admitted to charges of child neglect and culpable homicide resulting from a shack fire await sentencing on 31 July at Alex Magistrates’ Court.
Bongiwe Ngubeni (31) mother to two, four and seven-year-old victims and Nelisiwe Fihlani (28) mother to the four-year-old victim are currently on bail for the deaths of the children in a shack fire one early Sunday morning in September last year. One child perished at the scene and the other three died in hospital.
A 14-year-old escaped the inferno which occurred when the two accused were at a tavern. The incident drew the ire of the public which bayed for the women’s blood and condemnation by then-MEC for Social Development Nandi Mayathula-Khoza.
After the anger toned down, they were granted bail when they showed remorse and admitted culpability and it was proved they were not a flight risk, had no previous criminal records and neighbours and teachers of the victims vouched on their love for their children.
Related article:
