A woman and her daughter, who were arrested for allegedly causing the death of a 19-month-old toddler, were denied bail when they made their first appearance in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Naemi Hamulungu (45) and Kristine Matheus (27) are each facing a count of culpable homicide for the death of Nangula Haikali, who died on 20 January at the Katutura state hospital.
During their appearance, Hamulungu and her daughter, Matheus, were informed they will not be released on bail due to the seriousness of the charges they are facing, and while investigations are still at an early stage.
The court, however, explained to the accused that they have the right to bring forth a formal bail application should they wish to be released on bail pending the finalisation of their case.
The two, who appeared without legal representation, were informed of their legal right to obtain lawyers for their defence.
Hamulungu and Matheus were arrested on 14 October and are currently detained at the Klein Windhoek police station.
Namibian Sun reported that in November 2019, the toddler was left in the care of Hamulungu, who is the paternal grandmother to the victim.
Hamulungu was residing in Windhoek’s Ombili at the time.
It is alleged the toddler endured abuse and mistreatment from Hamulungu and Matheus.
Neighbours, who noticed the abuse, questioned Hamulungu about the mistreatment of the toddler but Hamulungu allegedly told them to collect the child from her house.
The toddler eventually fell sick and was taken to the hospital by Matheus on 5 January. The toddler died on 20 January due to sceptic shock as a result of acute malnutrition.
Matheus allegedly dropped the toddler off at the hospital and provided false contact details.
Thus, the hospital could not inform the next of kin of the toddler’s passing and were planning on burying her alongside other unclaimed persons.
Joseph Haikali, the toddler’s father, only came to know about his child’s death when he recently travelled to Windhoek and started enquiring.
Haikali works at a remote farm in the Omaheke region.
He claims he has been sending money for the child’s upkeep to his mother and sister without knowing the child had died in January.
– mamakali@nepc.com.na