The mother of the 11-month baby who was found dead in sewage water in Wallacedene was granted R500 bail.
However, 20-year-old Xola Mafentile was sent to Pollsmoor prison because her mother couldn't afford to pay her bail.
The young ma claimed she asked her friends to look after her son Akhimbali on Sunday while she went to spend the night with the child’s father.
The baby was reported missing the following morning and his body was found by community members floating on murky water.
Cops charged Xola with murder and child neglect and today she made her first appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrates Court.
Her concerned mom Nowethu Mafentile, 46, was in court to see her daughter for the first time since the apprehension.
“I had to come and see her, the Kraaifontein police wouldn’t allow me to visit her because of the Covid.
“When she was taken by the police she wasn’t wearing shoes and she doesn’t have a jacket with her so I have brought her those items.”
Xola walked into the courtroom and silently started sobbing when she spotted her mom in the public gallery.
She sat in the witness stand as she waited for her turn in the dock.
“She must have been relieved to see me, because when she looked my way she cried, ” says Nowethu.
“And that is exactly how I felt, I attended the proceedings to see how she is.”
Nowethu said she will try and make sure her daughter returns home so they can plan Akhimbali’s funeral.
"When I came to court I didn't think I would need money," added the mom.
"But I'm just happy that she will come home to us."
Xola will be back in court on 8 June.