Newclare mother, co-accused abandon bail in child abuse case

The Newclare mother of a four-year-old boy and two of her co-accused have abandoned their bail application in their attempted murder and child abuse case.

The trio were arrested last month after a viral video surfaced showing them allegedly encouraging the toddler to light and smoke what is believed to be drugs using a makeshift pipe, sparking widespread public outrage.

Only accused number two, represented by a private lawyer, is pursuing bail, with judgement in his case expected on Friday.

In the Johannesburg Magistrates Court, the state revealed that accused number two has a prior conviction for drug possession dating back to 2018.

He told the court he plans to stay with his aunt if granted bail.

However prosecutor, Adele Erasmus, argued that releasing him could compromise the ongoing investigation.

The 30-year-old accused intends to plead not guilty to all charges.

Meanwhile, residents of Newclare have welcomed the decision by the mother and co-accused to abandon bail.

Accused number two’s lawyer claimed the community had previously protected his client, but that assertion was rejected by ward councillor Marilyne Smouse.

The state maintains that granting bail would not serve the interests of justice, given the seriousness of the charges and the accused’s criminal history.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe