The case of a murdered Kensington toddler was postponed again in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Tuesday after the court heard the investigator is still off sick.
Mom Abigail Ruiters, 30, and her boyfriend Ameerudien Peters, 26, are charged with the murder of one-year-old Jeremiah Ruiters.
It is alleged in June last year, Peters raped, beat and stabbed the child to death at their house in Kensington.
Ruiters is charged with murder and child neglect under the Children’s Act while Peters faces charges of murder and rape.
The court heard that investigating officer, Warrant Officer Raymond Mitchell, is believed to be recuperating after an appendix removal operation and should be available in the next two weeks.
Jeremiah’s aunt Petina Timm says the family is still struggling to come to terms with his violent death, while the delayed court proceedings are leaving them with mixed emotions.
“We have mixed feelings at the moment and it seems the blame is shifting. Pastor Ruiters (Abigail’s father) is quick to question whether the officer is (really) sick. We just want justice (but) we just have to be patient,” she says.
She says while they have sympathy for Abigail, if she is guilty, she must pay.
Petina adds: “I saw Abigail in the foyer as we were going to the next courtroom. Seeing her in front of me made me break down in tears. We feel for her and for what she is going through, but what about Jeremiah?”
The matter has been postponed to 16 March.