Judgement in the murder trial for slain toddler Orderick Lucas has been delayed for a second time as the judge attends to legal issues.
After being held in custody for almost three years, alleged child murderer Melvin Volkwyn returned to the Western Cape High Court yesterday but was left disappointed when informed the verdict would not be given.
Orderick was last seen on 24 March 2019 but it was only four days later when his mother, Davedine, discovered he was missing.
On 2 April 2019, his tiny body was found in a drain a street away from his ouma’s home and Volkwyn was charged with his murder.
This follows claims by Davedine that he was the last person to care for the boy.
Volkwyn has denied this throughout the trial claiming he handed the child back to her.
During the explosive trial, a sordid tale of abuse and neglect arose when Davedine’s drug abuse took centre stage.
Witnesses, including medical professionals, took the stand where they described various illnesses that the little boy suffered throughout his short life including malnourishment, pneumonia, septic sores, and ulcers on his private parts.
The case concluded in June and judgement was expected in July but the matter was postponed to August as the judge was not yet ready.
Addressing Volkwyn yesterday, Acting Judge Nolundi Nyati, said there were legal issues that needed to be addressed.
“The matter was postponed for judgement but it will be postponed to the 25th.