Laerskool Kollegepark teacher from Vanderbijlpark intends to plead guilty on kidnapping and extortion charges

David Mey who is representing Tharina Human (28) told acting judge Keitumetse Mogale that his client will be entering into a plea agreement with the state in terms of section 105 of the criminal procedure act, Vaalweekblad reports.

Human and three of her co-accused in an earlier court appearance initially indicated that that would plead not guilty on the counts.

Human stands accused along with Laetitia Nel (41), Piet van Zyl (51) and Bofokeng Molemohi (25) of unlawfully and intentionally depriving the six-year-old girl of her freedom of movement and later demanding that the father pays R2 000 000, failing which the girl would be harmed.

Stoffel Venter indicated on behalf of the second accused, Nel, that his client would enter into a plea agreement with the state in terms of section 112 of the criminal procedure act.

Martin Botha, who is representing both Van Zyl and Molemohi, indicated that he needed more time to consult with his clients.

Acting judge Keitumetse Mogale postponed the case until Thursday 17 September when the accused are expected to plead on the charges.

All of the accused, except Nel, whose bail has been extended, will remain in custody.

The case was earlier transferred from the Vanderbijlpark Regional Court to the High Court in Palm Ridge with trial proceedings set to finally get underway this week.

On Monday, Botha told the court that Van Zyl, who is currently kept at Groenpunt Prison in Deneysville, complained that the prison has failed to take into account special dietary requirements as he is a diabetic and is not getting the right foods.

It has also emerged that the parents of the six-year-old girl were divorced in March this year and that the girl now resides with the father.

Advocate Salome Scheepers is the state prosecutor.