Update

GEORGE NEWS - The George Magistrate’s Court granted a 40-year-old teacher accused of abusing a toddler at a George crèche bail of R1 500 under strict conditions on Monday morning, 2 February.

The accused, Heather Scheepers, appeared on charges of child abuse and neglect following an alleged incident at Sonskynland Nursery and Crèche on Wednesday 21 January. Bail was not opposed by the State.

During the application, the court was presented with a petition signed by more than 300 community members opposing the accused’s release, as well as CCTV footage from the crèche that the State had in its possession.

Addressing a packed courtroom that included family members, supporters and representatives from the ANC Women’s League, Phakamani Makhosikazi and the EFF, the magistrate noted that while petitions assist the court in understanding community sentiment, bail proceedings are not meant to determine guilt or innocence. 

“The purpose of bail is to allow an accused person, who is presumed innocent, to continue with their life while awaiting trial,” the magistrate said.

Through her affidavit read into the record by her legal representative, Bradley Michaels, the court heard that the accused is a first offender with no previous convictions or pending cases, is not considered a flight risk and is not regarded as a violent individual. 

Scheepers stated that she had reported herself to the police following the alleged incident, but that she intends to plead not guilty. 

She has been employed at the school since 2020 and, according to her affidavit, had never previously been reported for misconduct.

Her next court appearance will be on Monday 2 March.

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