The seven men accused of kidnapping eight-year-old Abirah Dekhta have been additionally charged by the State with multiple crimes, including child pornography.
Abirah was snatched from the vehicle she was in on her way to school, and was subsequently found 11 days later in a shack in Khayelitsha.
Also read: Kidnapped Abirah Dekhta (8) found
Initially, the seven men were charged with kidnapping and extortion, but charges have been added under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
One of the men is now charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, and the others also face charges of kidnapping or trafficking in persons, child pornography, attempted extortion and contravention of the Cybercrime Act.
The court has heard that the State will be prosecuting the accused under Schedule 6 offences of the Criminal Procedures Act.
The offences that fall under Schedule 6 involve the most serious violent crimes: murder, rape and robbery.
The proceedings have been postponed until Tuesday December 13 to arrange a date for a bail application.
Also read:
Kidnapping: Police call for assistance to find missing six-month-old
Picture: IOL
