Stephina Chuene (48) who allegedly murdered and beheaded her wheelchair bound son has been remanded in custody after her first court appearance yesterday. Chuene from Leshikishiki village, in Lebowakgomo, Limpopo appeared before the Polokwane Magistrates court yesterday on a charge of murder.

SAPS spokespersons Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said police were called to the scene and were met by a gruesome sight. "A report was lodged about the murder of a young man at around 1pm on Friday, 3 May 2024. Upon arrival of the police at the scene next to a local tavern, they found the decapitated body of an 18-year-old man sitting on his wheelchair and his head on the ground," said Mashaba adding that the police were shocked to find no one at the crime scene and through their investigations, the deceased teenager's mother was sought and found. "Through subsequent and thorough investigatio, she was positively linked to the murder of her own son and was arrested. Police seized a knife at the scene, allegedly used by the mother to cut off the victim's head."

Meanwhile, the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed shock over the incident. "This is a heartbreaking incident that has deeply affected our community and the SAPS family. While the police are duty bound to protect and serve the public, the parents have a critical role to nurture and protect their children. This horrendous act by the senseless mother is condemned in its contempt. The law will take course without fear or favour," she said. The matter against Chuene was postponed to 16 May for formal bail application.