A 47-year-old man who faces charges of the murder of an eight-year old boy is a convicted rapist, the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday.
The man was arrested and detained last Wednesday following an investigation into the death of Danielle Jamneck that was found dead in his bed during a sleepover at the accused’s home in Peerless Park North.
According to information received by TygerBurger, the bedsheets were among evidence collected by police.
The findings of the post mortem to determine the boy’s cause of death is not known yet.
Police spokesperson WO Joseph Swartbooi told TygerBurger last week that the police cannot at this stage divulge the finer aspects of the case.
It was revealed in court that the accused was convicted in a 2005 rape case where a woman was raped.
It was also revealed that the boy was found dead in the bed he shared with Wheeler, with nail marks on his neck. When appearing in the dock the accused said he was not sure why he was arrested, whereupon the judge said prima facie evidence linked him to the boys death, the Weekend Argus reported.
None of his family nor the child’s relatives were present.
According to information received by TygerBurger, the accused woke up to go to the bathroom when he discovered that the boy was not breathing. He then called for help.
He is described as a kind-hearted, friendly person who loved children.
The investigation into the circumstances of the boy’s death is being conducted by Kraaifontein Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit.
The case was postponed to June 28 for a formal bail application.
