GQEBERHA – The public gallery at the Gqeberha High Court was empty when alleged child killer Lelethu Nkosana appeared briefly before the court on Tuesday, 28 July, in connection with the kidnapping, rape and murder of eight-year-old Veronique May.

Nkosana, who was arrested in October last year, remains in custody as the matter continues through the High Court.

The court heard that this matter sat for the first time at the High Court today, having been transferred from the Kariega Magistrate’s Court.

The court also heard that the matter was remanded for finalisation of consultation, which means lawyers and clients need their final private meetings to align on instructions, review evidence, or prepare pleas before the next court date.

@ecexpressnews Alleged child killer Lelethu Nkosana appeared briefly in the Gqeberha High Court today in connection with the kidnapping, rape and murder of eight-year-old Veronique May. The matter was postponed to next week for the finalisation of consultation. #Court #PEExpress #VeroniqueMay ♬ News, news, seriousness, tension(1077866) – Lyrebirds music

The Express previously reported that, according to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, preliminary information indicates that the young victim was reported missing by her family on Sunday, 5 October, at SAPS Kamesh after 17:00.

“A search was immediately launched by the police,” she said. “Information was obtained regarding whom Veronique May (8) was last seen with on Sunday evening. SAPS Kamesh found the man and, for his own safety, he was removed from the community to the police station.”

Speaking to the Express shortly after the brief appearance, Veronique’s mother, Destiny May, shared how disappointed she was that she missed an opportunity to witness what she described as “justice” for Veronique. She shared that she had come from Kariega via public transport, which made her miss the appearance.

When asked how she feels about the progression of the case, Destiny said, “I am a little relieved that the matter was postponed because this means I will have another opportunity to see the accused. I was worried coming here, thinking that I will not get to see justice being served for my child, but now this means I have another opportunity to witness it.”

Destiny added that she accepted what had happened to Veronique, but seeing justice prevail will give her closure. “For me, I need to know that the person that took my daughter from me is dealt with so that I can move on with my life as well, because so far, I have accepted the situation, but I am waiting for the next part of the proceedings.”

Destiny also mentioned that although many months had passed since the incident, the pain of losing her daughter does not get any easier as time goes on. “It really does not get easier, but the hope that justice will prevail is the only thing keeping me positive,” she concluded.

The matter was postponed to 6 August and Nkosana will remain in custody.

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