GQEBERHA – The State has alleged that the murder of six-year-old Abigail Prins was an act of revenge against her mother, Jolene, as disturbing details emerged during the aunt’s formal bail application in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court today.

The matter, which has now been classified as a Schedule 6 offence, centres around the alleged kidnapping and murder of Abigail. The child’s aunt, 25-year-old Christine Prins, and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Teboho Ramanki, are both facing charges of murder and kidnapping.

Investigating officer Sergeant Zukiswa Feni testified that the State alleges the murder was committed in furtherance of a common purpose between the accused.

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Feni told the court that on the night before Abigail’s disappearance, the child’s mother and other adults had allegedly been drinking alcohol at their home in Motherwell. Abigail and her four-year-old sibling were sleeping in the same room as Prins.

According to testimony, Abigail’s mother woke up the following morning and discovered that both Prins and Abigail were gone, while the four-year-old child remained at the house.

Feni said the younger child later alleged that Prins had taken Abigail without their mother’s consent and instructed the child not to tell anyone.

The court heard that Abigail’s mother searched for her daughter throughout iKamvelihle and questioned neighbours about her whereabouts. Later that day, neighbours allegedly informed the family that the accused had been seen carrying blankets and food. Some residents suggested that the family search nearby bushes, where the couple was known to spend time.

After failing to locate Abigail, a missing person case was opened. Police, community members, drones and helicopters were later deployed in an extensive search operation, including searches near the Motherwell graveyard.

Feni testified that police later traced the accused to Makhanda after discovering that Prins had family there.

According to the investigating officer, the accused initially claimed they had left Abigail playing in a park in Motherwell. However, police could not verify that the child had ever been at the park.

The court further heard that Ramanki later allegedly admitted to killing the child and led police to dunes near St George’s Beach, where Abigail’s body was recovered and exhumed at approximately 07:30.

Feni testified that the State alleges the murder was carried out as an act of revenge against Abigail’s mother.

The court also heard that Prins had allegedly been homeless and living on the streets with her baby at the time.

The State opposed bail, arguing that the accused would endanger the public, evade trial, and potentially interfere with witnesses if released. Prosecutors further argued that the accused had already fled to Makhanda following the child’s disappearance.

The matter was remanded until Friday for the continuation of proceedings.

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