The Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court postponed the murder case against Mokete Legodi (47) to 24 January 2022 for a high court date to be finalised.
NPA Spokesperson from the North West Division, Henry Mamothame says that the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions has authorised for the matter to be transferred to High Court of South Africa.
“Legodi’s court appearance comes after a lifeless body of a toddler was discovered inside the ceiling of his residential home in Alabama, near Klerksdorp.
“He was charged with 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 in Jouberton and took their daughter without the consent of the mother who was admitted to hospital at the time,” Mamothame said.
He further states that the family members who were taking care of the child assumed he would bring her back as he usually did.
Later upon inquiry, he denied taking the child, and on 14 May 2021 when the mother got discharged from the hospital, she went on a search for the baby with the help of the family but they could not find her.
“The following day, she went to Jouberton Police Station where a case of a missing person was opened.
“Further investigations by the police led to the arrest of Legodi on Sunday, 16 May 2021 and was charged with kidnaping after failing to tell the police the child whereabouts,” added Mamothame.
Furthermore, he says that it was 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.
“Police were called and a murder charge was added. Legodi will remain in police custody until the completion of the trial following the court’s denial of his bail application,” he concluded.
