Couple still MIA after second murder charge

Recent reports indicate that Stacey-Lee van der Ross, 29 and Junaid Adam-Shaik, 33, parents accused of murdering their 5-month-old baby Alaia, have possibly murdered their second child, Amanee (three months).

After a post mortem was performed on the second baby girl, the state added a second charge of murder to their charge sheet. The couple allegedly told people that both children died after choking. They possibly decided to flee after learning of the second murder charge.

The pair face two charges of murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and child abuse. They stand accused of severely harming Alaia since her birth on 11 May to her death on 12 October 2012. According to the charge sheet she was injured on numerous occasions, her injuries including chafe marks and broken bones; specifically, a broken arm. The belief is that Amanee, born December 2013, suffered the same fate in March the following year.

Stacey-Lee’s mother, Avril van der Ross claims to have reported her as missing on Wednesday 18 February, a mere five days before their trial was to start in the Johannesburg High Court on 23 February. The Record is in the process of confirming this report with the Florida Police. On Monday 9 March they again failed to appear in court.

The mother firmly believes that Junaid’s parents are helping the couple financially while they’re on the run, she told Netwerk 24 in March. She told journalist Jana van der Merwe that Stacey-Lee suffered a miscarriage before giving birth to Alaia. She also said that her lawyer believed Stacey-Lee had enough medical proof to prove her innocence.

The couple were released on R5 000 bail each. In the meanwhile, bail has been revoked and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) told Independent Online that warrants of arrest had been issued.

Should you have any information on the couple’s whereabouts or information that could lead to their rearrest, contact Colonel Noxolo Kweza via email at kwezan@saps.gov.za