UPDATE: Support flares up for baby Deon
ROODEPOORT – Details of alleged abuse against baby Deon's mother surfaced today in court.
Support for baby Deon has spread widely with about 1 700 signatures on an online petition. Investigating officer for the Marthinus Pelser case, Constable Richmond Motaung also showed his support outside court, while greeting women wearing white ‘Justice for baby Deon’ shirts.
@RoodepoortNorth entire row of people in support of baby Deon pic.twitter.com/LN9WzYCegU
— Mari Oosthuizen (@oosthuizen_mari) September 16, 2016
Marthinus Pelser appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on 16 September for the formal bail application. Pelser’s family were once again present for the proceedings. Motaung said in court that he believes Pelser should not be granted bail as he is a danger not only to his estranged wife but a danger to himself, as he had scratches on his wrists and neck when he was arrested on 15 June.
Pelser’s legal representative argued that Pelser should be allowed bail on condition that the court forces him to stay at the address he provided, therefore he would not be able to make contact with his ex-wife.
Baby Deon’s mother was not present in court, but her affidavit was read. She claimed that she and Pelser’s relationship changed when they got married as Pelser (Ruan) started to become abusive towards her. She said that he would get very angry with her if she did not do any house work. According to her affidavit, she wanted to divorce him in May, but he threatened her.
The State showed photos of baby Deon’s injuries to the investigating officer and also asked him to read the first page of the postmortem. According to the postmortem, Deon’s cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries.
Motaung spoke outside the court and said that the investigation of the case is almost complete and said that he has been an investigating officer for a long time, so he is able to handle anything that comes. Supporters wearing Justice for baby Deon shirts said that someone needs to be the voice of baby Deon.
The case was postponed to 10 October for the formal bail application to continue.
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