The Eastern Cape woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her daughter, was arrested at the beginning of the month for murder and two counts of attempted murder.

She was later released on R500 bail in the Lady Frere Magistrate's Court.

Her story prompted outrage on social media, with many congratulating the mom for protecting her family, or saying they would have done the same.

Cape Town resident Natalie Kendrick even started a fundraiser online to assist the "#lionmama" or "mother lioness" with legal and counselling fees.

Over R20 000 had been raised by Monday afternoon.

Attorney Buhle Tonise is representing the mother pro bono. She told News24 on Monday that she was aware of the abject poverty of the area in which the woman lived. Tonise also runs a women empowerment programme.

She said the mother stayed in a two-roomed house with her daughter, 8-year-old granddaughter, and two others.

They had to survive every month on a R380 child grant, she said.

"The community was collecting R100 per household to contribute to her legal costs. That is not proper. Where are they going to get the money like that?

"When it comes to being human, it would not be proper to take any money."

She said the money should rather be used for counselling for the mom and daughter in nearby Queenstown.

The mom and her daughter were said to be in a fragile state.

Fence

"It can also be used to build a fence around their home. Safety is a serious problem."

Another person who felt compelled to step in was Advocate Jackie Nagtegaal, managing director at legal assistance company Law For All.

"It is such a heart-breaking story," she said on Monday.

Nagtenaal and her company had offered to pay for all the expert reports that were needed.

Tonise said she appreciated the gesture, as these reports were one of the most expensive components of a trial.

The mother was expected back in court in October.

News24