Makulana’s first male partner humiliated her for her infertility. Her new boyfriend did not seem to be concerned with their lack of children, but Makulana thought that he would propose marriage if she bore him a child.  She reportedly made a plan to steal the fetus from her neighbor.

Makulana visited neighbor Tsanga, claiming to be pregnant. Tsanga later returned the visit.  A few hours later, Makulana arrived at her boyfriend’s home with a newborn, claiming that she gave birth outdoors. He took her to the local clinic where the baby was pronounced dead.  The medical staff were able to see that Makulana had not recently given birth. 

Tsanga’s burned corpse was found in a nearby field. 

Makulana claimed that she was helped by a local sangoma (a folk healer), who was questioned by authorities and released