MBABANE - A 39-year-old mother has been arrested for allegedly tying her 14-year-old daughter with a cable charger and stabbing her twice in the right arm.
It is reported that Hlobsile Mbetse tied and stabbed her daughter after initially strangling and assaulting her with fists all over her body at their Nkoyoyo residence.
It is alleged that Mbetse accused her daughter of unbecoming conduct.
When she appeared in court for setting of a trial date, Mbetse, through her attorney Nosisa Hlophe, applied for bail. She undertook to comply with all conditions attached to her bail and also committed to relocating to her brother’s residence at Mpolonjeni, while the matter remains before the court.
It is noteworthy that during her previous court appearance last week, she was advised to postpone her bail application until her next remand, as social workers were still arranging a place of safety for her daughter, who resides in the same apartment as the accused.
The Crown informed the court that bail would not be opposed, provided that she has an alternative place to stay. Mbetse was granted bail set at E2 000 on the condition that she does not interfere with Crown witnesses, either directly or indirectly, in an attempt to settle the matter out of court.
She was also warned to attend all court remands and hearings as directed. She was also warned against committing a similar offence while out on bail. Mbetse is scheduled to return to court for a remand on June 26 with the trial set to commence on July 2.
Hlobsile Mbetse (between the police officers) boarding a police van after her remand. (Pic: Sibusiso Shange)