By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Klerksdorp Magistrates Court postponed the murder case against a 47-year-old man from Alabama to 20 August 2021 for further investigations.
The investigator has not yet completed compiling the witness statements and photographic evidence in preparation for trial.
The accused’s appearance comes after a lifeless body of a toddler was discovered in the ceiling of his residential home. He was charged for kidnapping and murder of his two-year-old daughter
It is alleged that on Thursday, 13 May 2021, the man went to his girlfriend’s home at extension 20 in Jouberton and took their daughter without the consent of the mother who was in hospital at the time.
The family members who at the time were taking care of the child, assumed he would bring back the child as he usually did. Upon inquiry, he denied taking the child.
Henry Mamothame, NPA
Spokesperson (North West Division) said when the mother got discharged from hospital, she went on a search for the baby with the help of family members but they could not find her. The following day, she went to Jouberton Police Station where a case of a missing person was opened.
“Further investigations by the police led to the arrest of the father on Sunday 16 May 2021. He was charged with kidnapping after failing to tell the police where the child was.
“It is alleged that on Monday, 17 May 2021 following a bad smell coming from the suspect’s house, the neighbors investigated and discovered the lifeless body of the child hidden inside the ceiling,” said Mamothame.
Mamothame said the police were called and a murder charge was added.
“The accused abandoned his bail application and will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.”
