By William Mbangula Oshakati Triple murderer, Saima Nghiholemhote Hangula, was referred for mental observation until September 17 when her case is set to be heard again. Presiding Judge Loyuis Muller of the High Court here, who convicted Hangula of murdering her three biological children, reserved judgment until after observation. In the meantime she remains in police custody. The 32-year-old Hangula, a resident of Eexwa village in Omundaungilo constituency (Ohangwena Region) shocked many people in and around her village when on May 10 last year she allegedly killed her three biological children by beating and drowning them. The reason for this act was said to be anger and frustration at her boyfriend who was not supporting the children. Evidence presented in court by her boyfriend Johannes Shonghela, her relative Jonas Nghilifavali and sister-in-law Maria Frans all revealed that the accused had threatened to kill the children and commit suicide almost three days before the incident. She apparently told everybody to watch out because what she was going to do would be contained and revealed in the police daily crime report. Attempts were apparently made by some people, including Frans and Nghilifavali, to persuade her not to commit the crime but she was adamant, saying her boyfriend was not caring enough. On that fateful day of May 10 last year, Hangula told her elderly mother Ndilimeke Hedila that she was going to do some washing with the children at the dam. The three unsuspecting children, who were led to their deaths by their mother, were nine-year-old Emilia Isai (from a previous relationship), four-year-old Paulus Shonghela and five-month-old Frans Shonghela. Before drowning the children, she took a stick and beat them. It is said that the older daughter, Emilia, was so severely beaten that one of her eyes was almost hanging out of its socket because she had resisted when her mother decided to drown them. A report from the Principal Social Worker of Eenhana district, Josephine Nghishililwa, which was handed to the court, said one contributing factor to her action, apart from anger and frustration, was her own upbringing. The report, which was compiled after the incident, revealed that Hangula was brought up in a family that lacked proper parental guidance and a role model. She has 11 brothers and sisters, and only two are from the same father. Again, the report revealed that during several interviews and counselling sessions, the accused showed no mental derangement and very clearly recalled the incident. The same also happened in court when she appeared before Judge Muller. She recalled everything. She even confessed and showed remorse for what she had done. Advocate Heidi Jacobs prosecuted, while Frieda Kishi represented Hangula.