The case involving murdered three-year-old Poppie van der Merwe allegedly took a shocking turn on Tuesday (24 January) when it was revealed that one of the accused allegedly attempted to seriously injure himself a day before he is to appear in court.
Both Kobus Koekemoer (Poppie’s stepfather) and Louisa Koekemoer (Poppie’s biological mother) were arrested in connection with the blue-eyed girl’s tragic death in Brits last year. Poppie died on the way to a hospital in the area as a result of her injuries. The Koekemoers are to reappear in the Brits Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (25 January). It will be the first time they appear in court together in this murder case and it is believed both will re-apply for bail, even though both were denied bail on separate occasions before.
Jacobus Ludick, activist for Justice for Poppie and her biological father, Christo van der Merwe, told the Herald, that Koekemoer attempted to slit his wrists earlier this morning and was taken to a hospital under police guard. He said Koekemoer will, however, appear in court tomorrow and will be taken back to the hospital after the court has been adjourned.
In the meantime a petition has been circulated addressed to the Minister of Justice and the Magistrates’ Court not to grant the accused bail. The petition can be accessed here.
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Also read:
Vermoorde Poppie in vrede begrawe
Mother of murdered Poppie arrested
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