Baby Nikita trial | Eldorado Park man accused of her killing blames drugs for his actions, seeks leniency

The man accused of raping and murdering four-year-old, Baby Nikita, has blamed drug abuse for his actions, but the State says his apology and personal circumstances do not justify a reduced sentence for the crimes.

The 34-year-old appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on Friday for sentencing proceedings after pleading guilty to seven charges, including the murder and rape of his stepdaughter, as well as assaulting her and his own three-year-old son.

Baby Nikita died in hospital in August 2025 after being assaulted and drowned in a bath at the family’s home in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg.

In his guilty plea, the accused admitted to repeatedly hitting and biting Baby Nikita before drowning her. He also admitted to sexually assaulting her and assaulting his three-year-old son, who sustained multiple injuries but survived.

The accused also told the court that Baby Nikita was his partner’s daughter and that she and his three-year-old son were in his care on the day of the incident.

The court is now considering whether there are substantial and compelling circumstances that would justify a sentence below the prescribed minimum of life imprisonment.

During proceedings, the court heard details of the violence inflicted on Baby Nikita, including post-mortem evidence pointing to blunt-force trauma to her head and associated brain injuries.

The accused asked the court to consider his personal circumstances, guilty plea and apology as mitigating factors. He also cited his other children as a consideration in determining an appropriate sentence.

However, the court questioned why these circumstances should justify a departure from life imprisonment, emphasising that having children does not, in itself, amount to substantial and compelling circumstance for a lesser sentence.

The State maintains that the seriousness of the offences weighs against a reduced sentence. The accused’s lawyer, Emanuele Crespi, argued that his client is a first-time offender and has demonstrated remorse by pleading guilty.

Crespi urged the court to impose a sentence of between 20 and 25 years rather than life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Baby Nikita’s mother intends to apply for bail in her separate case. She faces charges relating to the alleged abuse of the children and failure to report sexual offences.

Her bail application is separate from her partner’s sentencing proceedings.

The court is expected to deliver its judgment on sentence on Tuesday, with both accused expected to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe