The 47-year-old Mokete Legodi remains in custody following a brief court appearance where his bail application was denied. It was revealed before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday that investigations are almost concluded. 

Legodi was arrested back in May after the lifeless body of a two-year-old toddler was found hidden inside the ceiling of his residential home in Alabama, near Klerksdorp. OFM News earlier reported that he faces charges of kidnapping and murder. It is alleged that on 13 May, Legodi went to his girlfriend’s home at extension 20 in Jouberton and took their daughter without the consent of the mother, who was admitted to hospital at the time. Family members who were taking care of the child, assumed he would bring back the child as he usually did, but did not return the child. Upon inquiry, he denied taking the child and once the mother opened a case of kidnapping the following day, the police started investigations.

NPA North West spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, further says investigations by the police led to the arrest of Legodi on May 16.

“He was charged with kidnapping after failing to tell the police where the child was. It is alleged that on Monday, 17 May 2021, following a bad smell coming from Legodi’s house, the neighbours investigated and discovered the lifeless body of the child hidden inside the ceiling”.

Mamothame, in a statement, says the state is ready for a trial and Legodi remains in police custody until his next court appearance in October.

OFM News