'Groovist' mum arrested!

A KHAYELITSHA mum, who left her two children inside her shack and went to a shebeen, is in hot water.

The 31-year-old was arrested on Monday, 15 April, in connection with the fire that killed her two children, aged 10 and five. It's reported that the kids died in the fire less than 30 minutes after she left her house.

She said she regrets going out to drink because it was the first time, in more than six months, she had not gone out to drink.

The sad mum said she had convinced herself it was time to quit booze, but the first day she decided to have a few drinks, she lost her children.

She believes the fire started outside the shack, at the door and suspects someone set her house on fire.

According to her, electricity was switched off from the mains switch in her house. She believes the fire couldn't have started as a result of an electrical fault.

Her sister said the kids' mum was arrested on Monday, 15 April, after she had returned from their school where she had gone to collect their birth certificates.

Police spokesman, Colonel Malcolm Pojie said cops opened a child neglect case against the mum.

"We can confirm that we 've indeed opened a case of child neglect in connection with the death of the two children, over and above an inquest. This case is investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit based in Khayelitsha," Pojie said.

"The investigating officer, on Monday, 15 April 2024, arrested the 31-year-old mother of the children, who now faces two counts of child neglect. This needs to serve as a reminder that parents are primary caregivers and custodians who are responsible and accountable for their children's safety and well-being.

"Cops arrived just after she returned and took her with them," he said.

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The mum appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 16 April. She was remanded in custody and will return on Tuesday, 23 April, for a bail hearing.