Child Murder Case Transferred To High Court

The Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court postponed the murder case against Mokete Legodi (47) to 24 January 2022 for a high court date to be finalised. The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (ADPP) has authorized for the matter to be transferred to the High Court of South Africa: North West Division. The state is also expected to serve the accused with an indictment in preparation for trial.

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 at extension 20 in Jouberton and took their daughter without the consent of the mother who was admitted to the hospital at the time.

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. On 14 May 2021 when the mother got discharged from the hospital, she went on a search for the baby with the help of family members 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. He was charged with kidnapping after failing to tell the police the child whereabouts. 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.

The 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.

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Enquiries:
Henry Mamothame
NPA Spokesperson
North West Division
018 381 9032
082 317 5731
hmamothame@npa.gov.za