Update: 2 October: The Randfontein couple who were found guilty of the culpable homicide, abuse and rape of their 10-month-old daughter were each sentenced to 18-years behind bars at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
Adriaan Netto and his 34-year-old girlfriend, who may not be named to protect the identities of their other children, were arrested in March last year after the death of the little girl.
Investigations into her death revelaed that she had suffered severe abuse by her parents, including sexual abuse.
An autopsy revealed that the girl had numerous injuries all over her body, including her face.
One of the baby’s lungs were filled with blood and she had numerous fractured ribs.
She also testified that the baby was underweight, that she had vaginal injuries and that her anal opening was widened substantially, indicating repeated penetration.
The pair each received four years for the culpable homicide, three years for child abuse and 15 years for rape, although the sentences for rape and culpable homicide will run concurrently.
Update: 18 September: Randfontein residents Adriaan Netto and his 34-year-old lover, who may not be named to protect the identity of their other children, have been found guilty of culpable homocide, child abuse and rape of their 10-month-old daughter in the South Gauteng High Court sitting in the Protea Magistrates’ Court.
The couple will be sentenced in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on 30 September.
Adriaan Netto, who failed to show up for the original judgement on 12 September, and was on the run for five days before being re-arrested on Monday, sat quietly while Judge Majeke Mabesele delivered his verdict.
His girlfriend broke down crying.
According to Mabesele, they did not physically murder the child, but the abuse and neglect that the child suffered at their hands made them culpable.
The woman’s bail was extended until the sentencing, while Netto remains in custody.
Update: 16 September: The hunt for the Randfontein father, Adriaan Netto, accused of repreatedly raping, assaulting and eventually murdering his 10-month-old daughter, Samantha, has come to an end after Randfontein top cop, Lieutenant Colonel Gert Kruger and another officer managed to track him down in Krugersdorp today (16 September).
This comes after he failed to appear before the Protea Magistrates’ Court on 12 September for judgement on charges of murder, assault, rape and sexual assault on his 10-month-old baby girl.
Netto has been on the run since then and declared a fugitive.
At the time of his arrest, Netto was spotted walking at a veld in Krugersdorp West near the Krugersdorp prison.
According to a source, Netto tried to run when he noticed that Kruger and the other officer had spotted him, but he did not get far.
After he was caught, he kept repeating “I’m sorry; I’m sorry.”
According to Kruger, Netto’s arrest follows an intense investigation by the Randfontein SAPS.
“I cannot reveal any more information at this point but I can confirm that we are all smiles now that he has been caught,” says Kruger.
Kruger was tasked by judge Majake Mabesele just days ago to find Netto.
“I want that man here,” Mabesele told Kruger.
The Herald is happy to announce that Kruger together with his team did just that.
Netto is expected to appear at the Protea Magistrates’ Court on 18 September.
Watch this space as the story develops.
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Update: 16 September: The hunt for Adriaan Netto, the man who allegedly repeatedly raped, assaulted and eventually murdered his 10-month-old daughter, Samantha, is now in its fifth day and police are keeping mum on whether they have any leads that might lead to his capture.
This comes after Netto failed to appear at the Protea Magistrates’ Court on 12 September for a judgement on charges of murder, assault, rape and sexual assault on his 10-month-old baby girl.
According to the police officer tasked with Netto’s capture, Lieutenant Colonel Gert Kruger, it’s just a matter of time before he is found.
“We will leave no stone unturned to find him,” says Kruger.
“He cannot hide forever.
“Anyone who might have any information on his whereabouts can contact me on 082 413 2635.” says Kruger.
Watch this space for more as the story develops
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Update: 13 September: One of Randfontein’s top detectives, and the investigating officer in the murder and rape case against Adriaan Netto, Lieutenant Colonel Gert Kruger has been tasked by Judge Majake Mabesele to locate Netto, who stands accused of raping, assaulting and murdering his 10-month-old daughter, Samantha.
Randfontein resident, Adriaan Netto, is wanted by the police after he failed to appear at the Protea Magistrates’ Court yesterday (12 September) for a judgement on charges of murder, assault, rape and sexual assault on his 10-month-old baby girl.
The baby girl in question can only be identified as Samantha and died on 2 March last year.
An autopsy conducted on Samantha revealed that she had brutally abused.
According to Doctor Jessica Clair Meddows Tayor, who conducted the autopsy and testified in court, one of the baby’s lungs were filled with blood and she had numerous fractured ribs.
She also testified that the baby was underweight, that she had vaginal injuries and that her anal opening was widened substantially, indicating possible repeated penetration.
Instead of appearing before the court to hear his fate, Netto packed his bags and hit the road.
He has since been declared a fugitive.
“I want that man here,” Mabesele told Kruger.
According to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson Captain Appel Ernst, the police have launched a massive manhunt for the man and will not rest until they find him.
“We really appeal to anyone who might have any information on his whereabouts to contact Kruger on 082 4132 635.
“Be it day or night. We want that man arrested,” says Ernst.
Watch this space as the story develops.
12 September: A Randfontein man accused of the murder and rape of his 10-month-old daughter, Samantha, has skipped bail and is on the run.
The man, Randfontein resident, Adriaan Netto, was supposed to appear in the Protea Magistrates’ Court today (12 September) for judgement on charges of murder, assault, rape and sexual assault on his 10-month-old baby girl.
Randfontein SAPS spokesperson Captain Appel Ernst says that the man left his home this morning, but instead of going to court, he took flight.
Netto and his 34-year-old lover, who may not be named to protect the identities of the couple’s other children, was arrested after Emergency Services were called to their home on 2 March 2012 and found the little girl dead.
Owing to the nature of the death, the baby was taken to a private mortuary from where she was sent for a autopsy.
Netto apparently did everything in his power to prevent an autopsy from being carried out on the little girl, even going so far as to break a window at the private mortuary and punching a mortuary employee.
According to Ernst, the outcome of the autopsy as well as the police investigation into the matter led to both the parents being arrested and charged with rape, assault, sexual assault, child abuse and murder.
According to Doctor Jessica Clair Meddows Tayor, who conducted the autopsy and testified in court, one of the baby’s lungs were filled with blood and she had numerous fractured ribs.
She also had numerous bruises and other injuries on her body.
She also testified that the baby was underweight, that she had vaginal injuries and that her anal opening was widened substantially, indicating possible repeated penetration.
The Herald published an article on 6 September stating that during court proceedings, the couple started blaming each other for the baby’s death and were subsequently given permission for each to appear with a different legal team on 3 September.
The matter was heard on 10 September and scheduled for a ruling today.
Instead of hearing whether or not he was found guilty on the charges levelled against him, Netto decided to pack his bags and hit the road.
Netto’s bail has been revoked and a manhunt has been launched.
Sick is not the word for this animal.