Murder files: Dad faces charges for killing his 2-year-old child

Murder accused father, Mokete Legodi, who allegedly killed his two-year old daughter and hid her body in the ceiling of his house has been denied bail in the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court.

State advocate, Riekie Kriel, arguing in opposition of his bail application, told the court that the state intended to argue for a maximum sentence if Legodi, 47, was convicted of murder and that the possibility of such a sentence was an incentive to flee. 

She said Legodi had been contacting the child’s mother from prison, which was an indication of him being highly likely to make contact with state witnesses.

Kriel told the court that the investigation had been almost concluded and that the state would soon be ready to go for trial.

Legodi’s arrest came after the lifeless body of the toddler was discovered inside the ceiling of his home in Alabama, near Klerksdorp. He was charged for the kidnapping and murder of his two-year-old daughter.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Henry Mamothame said that the state had alleged that before the murder Legodi had gone to his girlfriend’s home at extension 20 in Jouberton on 13 May 2021 and took their daughter without her consent as she was in hospital at the time.

“The family members who at the time were taking care of the child, assumed he would bring back the child as he usually did. Upon inquiry, he denied taking the child,” Mamothame said.

“On 14 May 2021 when the mother got discharged from hospital, she went on a search for the baby with the help of family members but they could not find her. The following day, she went to Jouberton Police Station where a case of a missing person was opened,” he said.

“Further investigations by the police led to the arrest of Legodi on Sunday, 16 May 2021. He was charged with kidnapping after failing to tell the police where the child was,” he said.

Neighbours had allegedly noticed a bad smell coming from Legodi’s house and went inside to investigate. They discovered the lifeless body of the child hidden inside the ceiling.

“The police were called and a murder charge was added,” he said.

Legodi will remain in police custody until his next court appearance to face the murder charge on 27 October.