Pretoria - The case against the four men, who were arrested for the rape and murder of two Diepsloot toddlers, has been withdrawn.
The National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) said this was due to no direct or indirect evidence linking them to the offence.
The fifth man, said to be the prime suspect, will meanwhile remain in custody while investigations are ongoing.
He will appear again in court on 27 November.
NPA spokesperson Nathi Mncube said the newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Mxolisi Nxasana, was in the court for the hearing had a brief discussion with the prosecution team to get some insight into the status of the case.
“He is satisfied that the prosecution team is doing the best to get justice for these innocent souls whose lives were cut short in such a gruesome manner,” said Mncube.
Nxasana’s appearance in court, according to Mncube, is part of a long term plan to show support and solidarity to the prosecutors, who work hard under very difficult conditions.
“Further, the visit is a gesture of sympathy to the family and friends of the two victims, Yonelisa and Zandile Mali,” he said, adding that Nxasana is concerned about the continuing trend of rapes and murders of innocent children across the country.
“He is of the view that it is a national crisis that needs intervention at the highest levels in our society.”
Last month, the bodies of two-year-old Yonelisa, and three-year-old Zandile Mali were found in a public toilet in Diepsloot, an incident which sparked national outrage. – SAnews.gov.za
