Update: Child murder case

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Despite another delay in the case against the man who allegedly brutally murdered an eight-year-old Plettenberg Bay girl, her family has renewed hope that justice will be served.

The 18-year-old Lulama Candani, who is accused of slitting Sesona Bhayibhile's throat and dumping her body near her home in December last year, was scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 15, but did not show up as he was admitted to the Valkenberg Hospital in Cape Town where he will undergo psychiatric evaluation.

The matter was postponed last month until Monday, June 15 to discuss earlier admission to the hospital as he was only at number 118 on the hospital's waiting list at his last court appearance on May 11.

Since the postponement, a group of locals staged a march through the coastal holiday town's streets in an attempt to convince authorities and the hospital to speed up the process. The march proved successful and led to Candani being admitted to the hospital on May 28.

During court proceedings this week prosecutor Henriette Breedt said despite his early admission, doctors had not started the evaluation and that Candani would in all likelihood be at the hospital for another month.

She added that she would, during the course of the week, discuss progress with the hospital and thereafter set a suitable court date.

Sesona's mother, Binnie Bhayibhile, said despite the delay she was hopeful that justice would be served.

"Following the successful march and all the support from the community, I have hope again," Bhayibhile said.

She added that the delay was just a minor setback and that she was relieved that Candani had been admitted.

Candani, one of Bhayibhile's neighbours, was arrested on December 9, after he handed himself over to Knysna Police and willingly pointed out where the body was hidden.

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