KZN couple appears for allegations of child neglect

A couple charged with neglecting their 11-month-old baby girl have made a brief appearance in the Port Shepstone Magistrate's Court, on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.

The couple are accused of tying the toddler's hands behind her back and leaving her lying on the ground next to a puppy. They claim their child was possessed by an evil spirit, and they were acting on the advice of a local priest. The case has sparked outrage from children's rights organisations and religious leaders. This is the couple's second court appearance since child protection members found the baby outside their home last month.

On their first appearance, the 30-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were released on warning. The case has now been remanded until May 27 pending an investigation. Several people have already been questioned about the circumstances surrounding the alleged child neglect. Meanwhile, the toddler is staying in a place of safety.