Two-week wait for mom’s fate

THE FATE of the Happy Valley, Blackheath stepmom, who is on trial for the murder of her boyfriend’s 3-year-old daughter, will be known in a fortnight’s time.

Anthea Kleynhans, a mother-of-three, allegedly beat Lache Stols to death with a belt. She was charged with murder, child abuse and alternatively assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

In her plea explanation, Kleynhans denied murder but submitted that due to her alcohol intake on the day in question, she did not foresee that when she was beating the child it would cause her death.

She also pleaded not guilty to child abuse, but admitted to common assault.

Western Cape High Court Judge Nolwazi Boqwana said she would give judgment on October 24.

The State argued dolus directus (intent to kill).

Meanwhile, defence advocate Inge Levendall argued that apart from Kleynhans’ testimony there was no evidence on the accused’s state of mind at the time of the assault.

“The court needs to consider the nature and duration of the assault as well as the fact that the accused consumed alcohol on the day in question.

She argued that although Kleynhans could not recall what she did, she was able to account for some of the injuries sustained by the toddler.