Two tried to drown caged girl

2003-08-04 16:08

Jabu Mhlabane

White River - An Mpumalanga couple appeared in the Nelspruit sexual offences court on Monday in connection with keeping their three-year-old granddaughter locked in a wooden cage, and beating and raping her.

They're also accused of trying to starve and even drown her.

The couple was not asked to plead on charges of assault, rape and attempted murder.

The case was postponed to August 15 for the couple to apply for free legal assistance from the state and they were remanded.

Investigating officer Sergeant Ralda Visser said the child had lived with her mother and grandparents on a farm in Brondal, but when her mother fell ill a year ago, her grandparents locked both of them in the cage.

The mother was admitted at Rob Ferreira hospital in Nelspruit in June and the child was left in the cage to sleep on plastic packets.

Visser said police haven't been able to find the mother, because they don't know her name yet.

The child's father died two years ago.

A door-to-door preacher discovered the child and alerted police.

Neighbours apparently knew of the abuse, but never reported the matter.

The couple was arrested on July 24 and the child has been taken to a place of safety.

- African Eye