Eldorado Park couple accused of raping & murdering daughter abandon bail application

JOHANNESBURG - The Eldorado Park couple accused of raping and murdering their four-year-old daughter have abandoned their bail application.
 
The couple made a brief appearance at the Protea Magistrate's Court on Monday.
 
The case emerged two weeks ago when community members reported that the child was being beaten.
 
She was found in a critical condition and later succumbed to her injuries.
 
The child was discovered in a dire state and required hospitalisation, but later died from her injuries.

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Her parents were arrested and initially appeared in court separately. On Monday, their dockets were joined and they appeared side-by-side.

While they had initially intended to apply for bail, their attorney told the court they had a change of heart.
 
"Your worship, I have taken instructions from both accused one and two, and they have decided to abandon bail."
 
The father faces charges of murder, rape, compelled rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and child abuse.
 
The mother faces charges of failing to report the sexual offence of a minor, child abuse, and murder.
 
The matter was postponed to 9 October.