The case against the parents of a four-year-old girl from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, charged with her murder, has been postponed to 11 December for further investigations.

The couple appeared briefly in the Protea Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.

The little girl’s father faces several charges, including murder, rape, compelled rape, assault and child abuse. The mother is facing a charge of murder and failure to report sexual offences committed against her child.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says several test results are still being processed before the matter can proceed.

“We are still awaiting the results for a few of the tests that were conducted, especially on the deceased, and also for the decision of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on the forum of whether the trial will be heard. So, as soon as investigations are concluded, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will also announce where the trial will be held in the state. We are hopeful that the investigations will be finalised as speedily as possible, because the intention is to subject. Both are accused, to a speedy process, so that justice can be served.”