Murdered child’s mom describes finding her body

Shamonique Claasen’s mother has opened up to the Western Cape High Court about the emotions she experienced the day she found her daughter’s body.

Magdelena Claasen’s ten-year old daughter was found dead in April. The family searched for her for days, until a foul smell started coming from their home in Paarl, Western Cape.

An emotional Magdelena told the court about the events of that day, EWN reports.

They ignored the smell, thinking it was the result of a dead mouse somewhere in the house, but later discovered that the smell was coming from Shamonique’s body, that was wrapped in a blanket, under a bed.

The body was discovered in Magdelena’s sister’s room, which she shared with her boyfriend, Jerome Amerika.

Amerika is on trial for Shamonique’s rape and murder.