WALVIS BAY – A failed murder-suicide attempt has resulted in a minor girl being placed in the care of an aunt in Walvis Bay.

The child’s mother, Julia Kambonde, had after a heated argument with her boyfriend, the child’s father, allegedly given her daughter rat poison and consumed the deadly poison herself in an attempt to kill them both.

Police on Friday indicated that the minor, who spent a week in an intensive care unit, is recuperating well in the care of her aunt.

Kambonde (28), is now facing an attempted murder charge for her actions. She is currently in custody at the Arandis police holding cells. She could not appear in court as she was hospitalised, and her case was postponed to 7 December.

Erongo police spokesperson Ileni Shapumba said the alleged crime took place on 3 November, whereafter the minor girl was taken to the Walvis Bay State Hospital after being poisoned by the mother.

“According to the suspect, she had an argument with her boyfriend at their home in Tutaleni. She allegedly, out of anger, gave the daughter rat poison and also drank the poisonous substance herself,” he explained.

Shapumba said the boyfriend came across his daughter, with foam coming from her mouth, and rushed them both to hospital.