Delivering the judgment on the bail applications against the four facing charges of kidnapping and extortion, Magistrate Hussein Khota ruled that the bail application of applicant one, Tharina Human, and applicant three, Pieter van Zyl, are denied. Applicant two, Laetitia Nel, was granted bail at R25 000, with the condition that she should report to the Vanderbijlpark Police Station weekly. This must be done every Wednesday between 09:00 and 21:00. She is also not allowed to communicate with state witnesses.

The matter has been postponed to 13 November to obtain a date for trial in the High Court.

Meanwhile, the fourth applicant, a Lesotho national, Molemohi Bafokeng, who is alleged to have snatched the victim from her mother outside the school, has abandoned his bail application. This is because he does not have proper documentation to be in the country.

Magistrate Khota mentioned that the kidnapping of a child is violent in nature, adding that the 19-hour kidnapping ordeal will be extended by the release of applicant one and three.

Amy'Leigh de Jager's grandfather, Christo de Jager, told reporters outside the court that his granddaughter is struggling after the ordeal.

OFM News/Paila Chauke