A couple who is charged with murdering a two-year-old girl, with the mother also being charged with rape among other things, appeared in court in Germiston recently where their case was postponed as investigations and preparations for an indictment continue.

It is alleged that Chevonne Rusch’s stepfather took her lifeless body, wrapped in a blanket, to Wannenburg Clinic in Primrose in May whereafter the police were called.

Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Lillian Modiga told the Bedfordview and Edenvale News that “When officers arrived, nurses showed them a child who was brought in by a man believed to be the child’s stepfather.”

“She had blood in her mouth and bruises all over her body. She also had a wound on the back of her head,” she said.

Modiga said due to the injuries a murder docket was opened.

The couple was arrested in connection with the death. Their most recent court appearance was in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on November 9.

The girl’s mother, Rochelle Botha, made her fourth appearance while Cornelius Stefan van Niekerk made his fifth appearance.

Van Niekerk faces charges of murder while Botha faces charges of murder of a minor, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and rape of a minor.

Before the matter proceeded a media application from Bedfordview and Edenvale News to photograph the accused was heard before the court.

The magistrate referred to previous media applications, which were approved, stating that it was in the interest of justice to allow the media to document court proceedings. The defence of the accused did not object.

During court proceedings, the state requested more time be given for medical reports to be completed to finalise the indictment for High Court.

Reports that the prosecution still needs include DNA, pathology and toxicology results.

The case was postponed until January 19. Both accused will remain in custody until then.