The Eldorado Park parents accused of killing their four-year-old daughter will appear for a second time at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Eldorado Park parents back in the dock
This follows the child’s death at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Friday.
When the couple first appeared last week, they faced charges of attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice. The father also faced charges of rape and child abuse.
With the child’s passing, the state has upgraded the main charge to murder.
On Wednesday last week, police were tipped off by community members about suspected abuse at a home in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg. When officers arrived, they found the little girl beaten, bleeding, and with a swollen eye.
According to Johannesburg District Police Commissioner, Major General Nonhlanhla Khubeka, investigators also discovered blood-stained clothes at the house.
The child’s mother was already at the hospital at the time.
The girl was admitted to the intensive care unit and placed on life support.
By Friday, 8 August 2025, she had died from her injuries.
The mother is accused not only of knowing about the abuse but also of failing to stop it or report it, which led to an additional charge of defeating the ends of justice.
This charge applies when someone deliberately tries to block or interfere with a police investigation.
Community outrage and calls to oppose bail
The Gauteng portfolio committee on community safety has called for bail to be opposed.
Chairperson Bandile Masuku, who will attend today’s hearing, said:
“The portfolio committee on community safety stands in solidarity with the Eldorado Park community and civil society organisations in calling for the State to oppose bail for the accused and harsh sentences to be imposed if they are found guilty.”
Masuku added that the case highlights the ongoing problem of violence against children and women in South Africa.
Today’s court proceedings will focus on the couple’s bail application. If bail is granted, they could be released until the trial starts. If refused, they will remain in custody until the trial date is set.