Amy’Leigh de Jager: Four huge developments from Friday’s bail ruling

The highly-anticipated bail hearing for the suspected kidnappers of Amy’Leigh de Jager came to a conclusion on Friday, as the trio who supposedly planned the botched extortion attempt of a six-year-old girl faced the music. Alleged mastermind Tharina Human and accomplice Pieter van Zyl were denied their temporary freedoms.

The same could not be said for Laetitia Nel, however. She managed to secure bail upon approval by the judge. We’ve now been given a date for their trial, as well as a few other important developments that emerged this afternoon. Here’s where we are currently at with the Amy’Leigh de Jager case:

Amy’Leigh de Jager – what we learned from the bail ruling:

Details of the upcoming trial

We can confirm that the criminal trial of all three plotters begins on Wednesday 13 November. The matter is likely to be moved to the High Court in Johannesburg, a considerable distance away from the accused’s Vanderbijlpark residence and their local magistrate’s court.

Amy’Leigh de Jager – what happened to the fourth accused?

We haven’t forgotten about 24-year-old Bofokeng Molemohi. The Lesotho national was one of two men who physically carried out the kidnapping. He actually decided to abandon his bail application on Friday. Like the other accused, he too will be required to appear at the High Court next month.

#AmyLeighDeJager The fourth accused, Bofokeng Molemohi (24)  has abandoned his bail application.

The matter has been postponed until 13 November, for a date at the High Court.

— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) October 11, 2019

Why was Laetitia Nel granted bail?

Nel, a 40-year-old mother and the only person of the trio who successfully applied for bail, told the court that she needed to look after her wheelchair-bound father. The co-accused also reminded the judge that the information she provided to the authorities lead to the arrest of Tharina Human, shortly after Amy’Leigh de Jager was found.

However, this isn’t going to be a walk in the park for the accused. Not only has she had to post a whopping R25 000 for a month’s bail, but she must also report to the Vanderbijlpark Police Station on a weekly basis. Nel also has to avoid doing a “Zandile Gumede”, and must inform the authorities if any of her personal details change.

What the judge said about the accused in the Amy’Leigh de Jager case:

• Tharina Human: “We know she intends to plead not guilty, but it’s my view she must be remanded in custody. No bail”
• Pieter van Zyl: “It’s likely he will try to skip the trial and intimidate witnesses. No bail.”
• Laetitia Nel: “We don’t believe the applicant poses a threat, and expect her to conform to the terms of the agreement with the court. Granted bail.”