Durban mom accused of toddler's death 'has history of mental illness'
A Durban woman accused of assaulting her three-year-old daughter until she died has told the Durban Magistrate’s Court, she has a history of mental illness.
Please be advised the following story might be distressing for some listeners as it involves child abuse and murder.
Teneil Ursula Kok made her first appearance in court on Thursday.
The 33-year-old was arrested on Monday night at her flat in the Durban CBD where the body of the child was found.
An emotionless Kok entered the dock of court 10 in a white woollen jersey, red-framed glasses, a black scarf and jeans.
The court heard the little girl was strangled.
READ: Durban mom arrested for toddler's death
State prosecutor Calvin Govender also told the court there was evidence she was beaten with a wooden rolling pin on the head and face.
Kok, who earlier elected to use legal aid, told the court through her attorney that she had been admitted into mental facilities in the past and was currently an outpatient.
The court heard she is a housewife and has other children.
Magistrate Vanitha Armu ruled that Kok should be taken for a mental assessment on Monday.
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