IN THE DOCK
THE three suspects in the kidnapping case of 6-year-old Amy’Leigh de Jager appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court yesterday. From left to right they are: Tharina Human, Laetitia Nel and Pieter van Zyl. Inset: Amy’Leigh’s parents Wynand and Angeline de Jager.
THE case of three suspects in the kidnapping of the Grade R pupil Amy’Leigh de Jager has been postponed following bail opposition by the State.
The trio, Laetitia Nel, Pieter Jacobus van Zyl and Tharina Human, who is a teacher at the school, made their first appearance at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court yesterday following their arrest last week.
Amy’Leigh, 6, was snatched by four men wearing masks outside Kollege Park State Primary School last week as she, her mother and her 5-year-old brother were getting out of the car.
A ransom of R2 million was demanded by the kidnappers.
Amy’Leigh was released the next day unharmed and reunited with her family.
Her parents were present at court and remained calm until the accused came up the stairs from the holding cells, when the mother, Angeline, started crying uncontrollably, leaning on her husband’s shoulder for comfort.
The father of the accused teacher, Riaan Botha, who was also at court, said he wanted to give support to both families (his family and the De Jagers).
“My Redeemer lives, I’m happy my daughter is alive and the child that was kidnapped is well at home.
‘We trust and believe and look into the future. Things at home have not been easy, but we’re looking up,” said Botha.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi also attended the case. He said he felt a need to be present to give support to the family and the school.
“It’s also important for us to demonstrate our rejection of anything that may lead to harm to our children,” he said.
The matter will be back in court next week for a bail application.