Mother kills 12 year old daughter

The community of Ha Belo is in shock after a 12-year-old girl allegedly died
from injuries inflicted by her mother, Mpecha Chabalala, on Sunday. The child
was confirmed dead later that night at Botha-Bothe Hospital.
Chief of Ha Belo, Chief Chona, expressed deep concern, noting that the girl had
previously suffered abuse. He recalled an incident when the child sought
shelter at his office, and the community had intervened in the past.
A close family member, Namola Chabalala, said the child had previously lived
with him due to neglect, including missed medical check-ups despite living with
HIV. He explained that on Sunday afternoon, he was informed that the child
had been beaten and began vomiting a yellow substance.
Ms Chabalala, however, denied intentionally killing her daughter, insisting she
was disciplining her for allegedly stealing money from school. According to her
account, the child later complained of stomach pain, ran into the bushes, and
was found in a nearby dam before being rushed to the hospital.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.