Springs woman gets bail

The 36-year-old mother of five was released on R2000 bail and is expected to appear in court again on July 25, the same day as her husband.

 

The woman, a dyslexic who cannot read or write, was not viewed as a flight risk by the court.

 

In her judgment, regional Magistrate Bennita Oswell described the woman as "a timid person" who gets scared easily, and said that her husband, who made all the decisions on her behalf, was the centre of her universe.

 

The woman was unemployed and did not have any family outside Springs.

 

The court was doubtful that she could influence witnesses but was also mindful that it was a lot easier for a mother to influence her children.

 

As part of her bail conditions the woman was ordered to reside with a family member, notify the investigation officer in case of her changing her address, and have no direct or indirect contact with any State witnesses, including her five children.

 

She was ordered specifically not see her two elder children, aged 16 and 11. She could later bring forward an application to see her younger children, aged four, three, and two, in the presence of a social worker.

 

The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identities of her children, faces charges of attempted murder, child abuse, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, and defeating the ends of justice.

 

Her husband faces similar charges and is in custody. He has also been charged with raping her.

 

Reports of the couple, who allegedly abused and kept their children captive at their home in Springs, sent shock waves through the community.