Woman granted bail after allegedly shooting and killing her neighbour’s four-year-old son

woman appears in the Themba Magistrate’s Court in Hammanskraal, facing a charge of murder for allegedly shooting and killing her neighbour’s four-year-old son. A 38-year-old woman accused of shooting and killing her neighbour’s four-year-old son appeared in the Themba Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was granted bail of R5,000. Tselane Lebohang Mautlu, from Chris Hani in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, faces a charge of murder in connection with the death of Abokeng Minyuko.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on January 25, 2026 at around 9pm, while the child was playing in the street near Mautlu’s residence. “It is alleged that upon realising that the child had been injured, the accused took him to a nearby clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival,” said NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana. “Thereafter, the accused drove to the police station and handed herself over to the police.” During the bail hearing, the State opposed Mautlu’s release, citing the seriousness of the offence and the fact that she is known to State witnesses.

However, the magistrate ruled that it was in the interests of justice to release her on bail, subject to strict conditions. Mautlu’s bail conditions include relocating from Chris Hani, reporting to the police station twice a week, and refraining from possessing or using a firearm. “The matter has been postponed to April 15, 2026, for further investigations,” Mahanjana added.