A Durban mother has been charged with hiring a hitman to murder her daughter. Devika Rani Seeripat, 73, was arrested last year after the murder of her daughter Ashrika, 42. She was arrested at her home, where she also runs a creche. She was arrested alongside Bongi Mbili, 54, a domestic worker, and Madodandina “Patrick” Mkula, 42, a gardener. All three have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Ashrika was found strangled in her bedroom at her home in Kadville Heights, Umzinto.

In her defence, Seeripat divulged that she had endured years of abuse at the hands of her daughter.Seeripat said she later confided in Mbili that she could no longer take the abuse.“I told Bongi, now she is wanting money and I don’t have that money.

The best thing to do is, I need to take this child out of this world because I cannot manage with her anymore. The only person I trust is Patrick (Mkula). I have his number. I am going to phone him to come and help me.”Seeripat said she called Mkula who agreed to see her without knowing exactly why. He had worked as a security guard when she was not at home and had also done odd jobs around her home.

Seeripat claimed a few days later Mkula visited her and allegedly said he would take the job.He wanted R40 000 but since she did not have that amount, they settled on R10 000. A few days later, she paid a deposit of R5 000 to him.The case continues.