Eldorado Park child murder trial postponed as father’s relative puts her faith in God

The family of the father accused in the Eldorado Park child murder case says it is leaving the outcome of the trial in God’s hands, as proceedings in the Johannesburg High Court have been postponed by another day.

A relative of the father says she remains hopeful that he will get through the trial but cannot comment on his innocence, as he was not present when the alleged offences took place.

“I feel positive, and I know God is in control of everything, and I know God is going to carry him through this. And I know he will be victorious, and God will take the final decision.”

The trial was scheduled to begin on Tuesday but was postponed until Wednesday after the lawyer representing the mother indicated that she was not ready to proceed.

The State and the father’s legal representative indicated that they were ready to proceed.

The case has faced repeated delays. Last week, then-presiding Judge William Karam told the court that a directive from the Acting Deputy Judge President required him to prioritise a part-heard matter involving four accused. That matter is expected to occupy the courtroom until 26 October.

The case stems from an incident on 6 August 2025, when police allegedly found the four-year-old unconscious with severe head trauma. She later died in hospital.

The father faces charges including murder, rape and child abuse in connection with the death of the couple’s four-year-old daughter, known as Baby Nikita.

He is also accused of assaulting their surviving three-year-old son.

The mother faces charges including failing to report alleged abuse and sexual offences.

Both parents remain in custody. A court order prohibiting the publication of their identities and that of the deceased child remains in place to protect the surviving sibling.

The trial is expected to get underway on Wednesday, 21 October, with the first witness expected to take the stand.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe