Tragic case of Baby Nikita: Parents abandon bail application

The parents of four-year-old 'Baby Nikita', who face charges of child abuse and murder, abandoned their bail bid in the Protea Magistrate’s Court.

Baby Nikita was admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital more than two weeks ago after she was beaten. The incident sent shockwaves through the Eldorado Park community, with the little girl's parents being arrested.

The child later died from her injuries.

According to police, the man was arrested after officers responded to reports of screams coming from a backyard shack. Inside the home, police discovered the young girl with severe head injuries, bruises and a swollen eye.

The matter has been postponed to October 9 for further investigation.

Speaking outside court, the brother of the accused, who cannot be named to protect the child, said the family is still shaken by what has happened.

"As a family, we are still recovering from the death of my wife, who died recently. Now we are dealing with the death of my niece. That is why I came to court, because as a family, we are still trying to understand what happened," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by the child's grandfather, who also spoke briefly, saying in spite of the tragedy, they want justice to prevail.

"We, like everyone else, want justice to prevail as we believe what happened to our grandchild should not have happened," the grandfather said outside the court.

The child's father is facing five charges, including rape, compelled rape, assault with GBH, murder, child abuse, and defeating the ends of justice, while the mother is facing charges related to murder and failing to report the abuse of a minor.

Baby Nikita's funeral is expected to draw a large crowd at the Don Mateman Hall on Tuesday.

On Monday, scores of Eldorado Park residents came out in their numbers once again as they awaited the court outcome following a memorial service held at Don Mateman Hall on Sunday.

Councillor for Ward 18, Juwairiya Kaldine, thanked the family for allowing the community to unite behind their child, whose life was cut short.

"I said I was not going to cry, but we are gathered here with heavy hearts and to bid farewell to a beautiful angel whose life was taken and future stripped from her. It is tragic and unfortunate to have lost Baby Nikita under such tragic circumstances. She had to lose her life for the lives of other young children to be saved. I can imagine how the family is feeling and send condolences to the family and thank the family for giving me this opportunity to celebrate her," she said at the memorial service.

Cape Times