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Netto’s bail has been revoked and a manhunt has been launched.
