Tears of disbelief flowed at the Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as the foster mom accused of bashing a nine-month-old baby to death launched a new bail application.
Gasps were heard in the courtroom as the lawyer for Priscilla Morris told the court that despite ditching her bail application last week, she would be launching a new bid for freedom after a discussion with her legal reps.
The 40-year-old ouma from Vrygrond is accused of murdering baby Caswell Frans last month.
Caswell’s body was discovered on 20 December after Priscilla’s sister went to Muizenberg police to piemp her.
Morris is accused of beating the infant to death and then burying his body in a shallow grave on a nearby veldjie to conceal evidence.
Shocking claims have also emerged that the child was tortured and starved during his brief life.
The department of social development has launched an investigation after it was revealed that the biological family reported the abuse to social workers, who allegedly failed to take action.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that a decision was made to not charge relatives who knew about the murder at this stage, as the investigation is not completed yet.
The case was postponed to 13 January for Morris’ formal bail hearing.
Outside court, mom Candice, 24, sobbed as Morris laughed and joked with her granddaughter while standing at a nearby window.
Angry community leaders from Overcome Heights said they were disappointed that no local organisations had arrived to offer the family support at court.
Karen Mentoor said: “We feel very unhappy that not one organisation is here to stand with Candice against the woman who murdered her child.
“This mother is heartbroken, she thought she was leaving her child in good hands but the social worker gave him to the wrong people.
“I ask the community that next week when she applies for bail, that the community must support her.”