Wife of 'Springs monster' seeks bail

UNINVOLVED, uncooperative and unable to read and write.

This is how the 36-year-old mother and wife of the man dubbed the "Springs monster" was portrayed in her bail hearing yesterday.

The couple have been accused of torturing and keeping captive their five children, aged two, three, four, 11 and 16, in their family home in Springs.

The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the children, appeared in the Springs Magistrate's Court on charges of attempted murder, child abuse, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.

She was arrested last week, a month after her husband was held on the same charges. In addition, he is facing a charge of raping his wife.

The children are in a place of safety and the 11-year-old boy and his 16-year-old sister are likely to be called to testify against their parents when the matter goes to trial.

Investigating officer Rudolf Jansen told the court yesterday the children had been abused over years and the mother was aware of it.

He said none of the children attended school and medical examinations showed that all, except the youngest two, had various wounds on their bodies.

Jansen said the mother initially confirmed her children's version of events but her attitude changed when she was due to sign a statement.

The mother's lawyer, Isabella van Eck, told the court her client was not wêreldwys (without life experience) and was threatened and intimidated by police.

Jansen denied the allegations.

The hearing continues. - Leonie Wagner