McBride child abuse charge provisionally withdrawn

The charge of child abuse against Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride has been provisionally withdrawn by the state this morning, reports News24.

The report further states that McBride made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court as the announcement of the provisional withdrawal was made with no reason given by the state.

McBride was charged with child abuse and an alternative charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after allegedly assaulting one of his daughters in August 2017.

Earlier this year, he made a U-turn and abandoned his initial plan to make representations as to why he should not be prosecuted for child abuse.

Once the trial gets under way, one of his daughters is expected to be a defence witness during the proceedings.

During McBride’s appearance in court earlier this year, the court heard that the daughter had already submitted her statement.

In November, McBride’s bail conditions were amended so he could see and speak to one his daughters, who will be testifying.

He was previously released on bail of R10 000, on the condition that he did not contact any of the witnesses, which included the daughter he allegedly assaulted and the younger daughter, who he is now able to see.

The charges are related to an incident that allegedly took place while McBride and one of his daughters were driving in a car.

His teenage daughter claimed he beat and strangled her.

According to reports, she said the alleged assault was not an isolated incident, and it “happened all the time”.

However, McBride has denied the allegations.

“I admit that I admonished one of my daughters, whom I love very much,” said McBride.

He explained he had become concerned about his daughter’s school marks and “somewhat rebellious” behaviour, and had admonished her, but never assaulted her.

The matter has been postponed to March 20.

– additional reporting by African News Agency