MAY 24
Two of the ‘Springs Monster’ couple’s children were granted permission to testify against their parents in camera in the North Gauteng High Court on Tuesday (May 24).
Judge Eben Jordaan ruled that the Springs Monster’s daughter (18) and her brother (13) were to testify against their parents in camera on Tuesday, at 11.30am.
However, this was postponed to Wednesday when prosecutor Jennifer Cronjé told the judge that it would be in the children’s best interest to testify early on Wednesday morning.
Jeanette Ngobeni, high court manager, says the boy was in an emotional state, and was emotionally too tired to testify in the afternoon.
The boy will testify in another room through an intermediary and closed-circuit TV, while his sister will not make use of an intermediary, but will also testify in closed-circuit TV.
Ngobeni says the children’s testimonies were heard in camera by closed-circuit television so the children don’t have to face their parents.
Ngobeni says only counsel, the judge the two accused, the person responsible for the recording and the registrar to the judge will be allowed in court.
The media and public will not be allowed to enter the court room for the next two days while the visuals and audio will be seen in court.
Ngobeni says both children are allegedly afraid to be in the same room as their parents.
Their parents pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to murder their son, then 11 years old, abusing and neglecting their five children aged between two and 16 at the time, and failing to send the two eldest children to school.
The couple also denied defeating the ends of justice and interfering with a police officer’s duty by hiding their 11-year-old son from the police.
The son fled to neighbours and begged them for help in May 2014.
After the neighbours reported the incident, the police raided the place and came across the neglected four children.
Related articles:
- Springs’ ‘Monster Couple’ trial starts in North Gauteng High Court
- ‘Springs Monster’ couple’s trial starts in high court
- Springs Monster case to continue in 2016
- ‘Springs Monster’ still in Weskoppies Hospital
- ‘Springs monster’ heads to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital
- Springs Monster couple in court
- Mother arrested in Springs Monster case
- Springs “monster’s” wife is also a victim
- Wife of “monster” fights for bail
- Mother must wait until Friday
- Mother back in court
- Mother’s case postponed
- Mother arrested, case not on roll
