'Cruel maid' denied bail
Larona Makhaiza | Wednesday March 11, 2026 12:33
Nchimako is accused of cruel punishment of a minor child at Oodi on a series of events. According to her charge sheet, it is alleged that Nchimako cruelly punished the minor aged one-year (names withheld) at her place of work. It is alleged that she assaulted the minor leaving him with bruises and abrasions all over the body on December 2025.
On the second count, it is alleged that the house helper continued with her ill treatment with the child by incessantly abusing him to a point of knocking him unconscious, and he sustained injuries in the process.
Appearing before court this week, Magistrate Merafe-Olaotse delivered a ruling on bail following the accused’s application while the State vehemently opposed it.
In her ruling, Magistrate said the State was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Nchimako is not a candidate for bail following the testimony of Investigating Officer (IO) Bagamang Dario.
“The State raised that the accused has no means of no communication and has no place of residence. There is nothing adduced in court as evidence by the accused to counter claims made by the State,” she said.
Magistrate state that for the mere fact that the accused has no place of residence and means of communications speaks volumes if she is right candidate for bail or not.
“These two facts prove that she is flight risk and might not appear for trial moreover that the preliminary reports of the impact of the injuries may incentives one to abscond,” she said.
Magistrate Merafe-Olaotse also highlighted that it would be remiss for the court to grant her bail looking at the public interest in the case.
“In respect of public interest that it might undermine the public’s trust in the Judiciary and that is a factor for the ruling of bail in this matter, extreme public interest in this case is palpable and cannot be ignored,” she said.
Subsequently, Magistrate proceeded to further remand the accused on custody.
“The bail for the accused is hereby dismissed and she can appeal at the High Court,” she ordered. The case is set to continue on March 23 for Case Management Conference in respect of the first count and presentation of facts for count two.
The case continues.