Eldorado Park father faces more charges in child murder case

 

The 32-year-old Eldorado Park man accused of physically and sexually assaulting his four-year-old daughter faces additional charges, bringing the total to five.

The father was arrested last Wednesday, after police found the child in a backyard shack with severe head injuries, bruises, and a swollen eye.

The child subsequently died of her injuries in hospital.

The father now faces five charges including murder, rape, compelled rape, child abuse and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He appeared for the second time today at Protea Magistrates Court, seeking bail as a tense and crowded courtroom looked on.

The mother of the child faces a charge of failing to report a sexual offence against a minor.

The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, says his case will be heard separately from that of the child’s mother.

The new developments come amid growing outrage in the community, with residents gathering outside court to demand justice for the young girl.

The parents remains in custody and will return to court next Monday for a formal bail application.

The NPA has indicated it will oppose bail for both parents.

Mjonondwane said investigators are also looking into a separate incident in which the couple’s 2-year-old son was allegedly assaulted, sustaining an injured arm.

 

Mjonondwane has also urged the public to stop circulating a video showing the assault on the 4-year-old, emphasizing that it is crucial evidence and that its distribution risks compromising the victim’s dignity and her younger brother’s privacy, who is now in a place of safety.

 

The case, which has shocked the Eldorado Park community, also drew the attention of the Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety led by chairperson, Dr Bandile Masuku, who attended the court proceedings.

Dr. Masuku also confirmed an oversight visit was conducted at the Eldorado Park police station following allegations of a delayed police response to the assault last Wednesday.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe