Eldorado Park child abuse case postponed for bail hearing to August 18

The case of four-year-old Eldorado park girl has been postponed to August 18.

The father and mother of the young girl each made a brief, separate appearance at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, August 12.

The father of the four-year-old has been charged with five counts which are, murder, rape, compelled rape, child abuse, and assault of a minor, while the mother who is invisibly pregnant is facing a charge of failing to immediately report a sexual offence committed against a minor.

ALSO READ: Eldorado Park couple face murder and rape charges after child’s death

The presiding magistrate stated that the matter has been postponed so as to allow for a formal bail application.

Both accused will remain in custody

Speaking to the media outside the court proceedings, NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane clarified that while both accused were arrested, the NPA decided to separate the two cases due to insufficient evidence that the alleged offences were committed jointly.

“Now that we know alleged offences are not intertwined, we then had to separate the two matters for the mother to appear alone as well as the father.

“With the case against the father he is now facing five charges we have added three additional charges to the two that he was facing in his first appearance.

“While the mother on the second docket is facing the charge of failing to immediately report a sexual offence against a minor,” said Mjonondwane.

She further stated that as per the sexual offence and related matters amended acts one has a duty to report, so hence the mother of the victim is facing the charge presented before the court.

Mjondwane said they will be opposing on the bail application as the state and reasons will be advanced in court.

ALSO READ: Eldos couple in court for attempted murder, child abuse, justice obstruction

Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Bandile Masuku said they came as committee members to pay and pledge solidarity to both the family and community of Eldorado Park, after they have read and seen what has led to the crime.

“This is one of the many, we continually get reported on in the country and it is important that every time we get such cases as a community and legislature we rally behind the fight against women and children abuse,” said Masuku.

Eldorado Park ward counselor, Juwairiya Kaldine told the media that she believes the justice system of this country, it is failing women and children and the case must be handled by a female magistrate.

“The government of today sitting in legislature need to relook at the constitution of this country because the constitution we are currently guided by has not stand for women and children in this country,” said Kaldine.