The woman accused of bludgeoning to death her four children has died in hospital.
“According to current information, while she was in police detention on Sunday afternoon, she told the officers that she was feeling unwell but did not specify the nature of the illness.” She was then taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where she reportedly died, IOL reports.
“The cause of death will be determined after the postmortem,” said Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana.
Nomboleko Simayile had already appeared in Engcobo Magistrate court on charges of murder, according to Kinana, but the case was remanded for a formal bail hearing.
Kinana also stated that an inquest docket has been opened for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to investigate.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the 32-year-old woman was scheduled to appear in court but became ill in the holding cells last week. The State intended to have Simayile transferred for medical observation at the time because she was mentally fit to stand trial.
On November 9, Simayile allegedly murdered her three children, ages two to eleven.
According to NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, Simayile informed her father about the incident.
“They children were sleeping in a separate rondavel with her, while her aged parents slept in a separate flat within the same homestead. After discovering his grandchildren, the father informed his wife and alerted community members. They’d all been clubbed to death using a hammer “Tyali stated.
She was accused of four murder charges.
Simayile is said to have struggled with mental health problems.
READ MORE: Four children whose mother killed them to be buried today
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) encourages people to talk about their mental health and seek professional assistance.
Persons should also seek assistance from a psychologist, GP, psychiatrist, social worker, or registered counsellor, according to the organization, or go to their local hospital or clinic.
Anyone considering suicide should contact Sadag at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393.
