By Thys Khiba
Klerksdorp – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)Provincial Spokesperson, Henry Mamothame confirmed the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court denied Mokete Legodi (47) bail in a murder case of his two-year-old daughter.
This is after a lifeless body of a toddler was discovered inside the ceiling of his residential home in Alabama, near Klerksdorp. He was charged for kidnapping and murder of his two-year-old daughter.
It is alleged that on Thursday 13 May 2021, Legodi went to his girlfriend’s home at extension 20 in Jouberton and took their daughter without the consent of the mother who was in hospital at the time.
“The family members, who at the time were taking care of the child, assumed he would bring back the child as he usually did. Upon inquiry, he denied taking the child,” said Mamothame.
It is alleged that on Monday, 17 May 2021 following a bad smell coming from Legodi’s house; the neighbours investigated and discovered the lifeless body of the child hidden inside the ceiling.
According to Advocate Riekie Kriel, Legodi has been contacting the mother of the deceased from prison, and further viewed this as an indication of him being highly likely to make contact with state witnesses.
“In her argument to oppose bail, Advocate Riekie Krielsubmitted to the court that the state will argue for a maximum sentence if the accused is convicted and that the possibility of such a sentence is an incentive to flee,” said Mamothame.
Advocate Kriel also indicated that investigations are almost concluded and the state will be ready to go for trial.
The case was postponed to 27 October 2021 for further investigations. He will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.
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