Call for justice for murdered Asheeqah Scott

THE mother of murdered one-year Asheeqah Scott is expected to face trial next week for child abuse, a year after her case was set down for plea and trial.

Shakiera Scott's marathon trial has been moved from courthouse to courthouse in recent years.

This week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the trial was moved from Parow Regional Court to Bellville Regional Court.

Scott's trial had been set down for plea and trial in November 2021.

The NPA confirmed the trial date has now been scheduled for November 8, at the Bellville Court.

Women and Children's rights activists, who have been following the case since the start, said they were disappointed at the delay in justice.

Scott was arrested in 2019.

In the same year, her two-monthold baby, Zarah Scott, died after having breathing complications on September 21, 2019, and police opened an inquest docket into her death.

Scott reportedly brought the infant to Delft Day Hospital, stating the baby had stopped breathing when she wanted to breast-feed her.

Scott's boyfriend, Pieter van Tonder, was sentenced to 25 years behind bars in May 2018 for Asheeqah's murder in Delft.

Van Tonder had entered into a plea

explanation with the State in October 2017 and admitted to smoking mandrax with his friend, assaulting her and burning her lips.

Van Tonder had been asked by Scott to look after the child in September 2016.

At the time of the trial, the State pathologist noted that Asheeqah was malnourished and had old and new injuries and fractured ribs.

A family friend, who asked not to be identified, said they were receiving mixed information about the case: “She hasn't been to court for a while, and we have heard nothing about it.”

Child rights activist Sandy Lawrence said the case of Asheeqah was one they would never forget: “The detail of the boyfriend drove with the child in the car and caused injuries, I will never forget her face.

“It is sad that a case should drag so long, especially where it involves a child. We do not know what the court's reason is for postponement. No matter what the reason is, this child deserves justice.

“Where the mother is concerned, it needs to be highlighted that parents are not being held accountable for negligence, and there are not enough cases of conviction and arrest. This mother is still out there, and they keep having babies, and it proves they are not able to take care of their babies.

“I feel strongly that this case should be prioritised, and justice should be served because the very people who were supposed to protect this child were the very people who were responsible for taking her life.

“There were signs of abuse when one looks at the pathology report, and that is a shut closed case.”

File ASHEEQAH Scott was burnt and beaten to death. |