THE public may know on June 5 whether the mother and grandmother of 3-year-old Chatsworth toddler Jamie Faith Naidoo will be declared fit to stand trial.
Jamie’s mother, Patricia Kershnie Ishwarlall, 31, and grandmother, Salatchee Basanich, 55, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Tuesday). It was low key compared to their initial appearances last year, when representatives of community organisations gathered to voice their outrage.
Both accused were recently discharged from Fort Napier Hospital.
Their attorney, Vijay Sivakumoor, and the State agreed last year that it would be in the interests of justice for Ishwarlall and Basanich to be examined by psychiatrists and psychologists at Fort Napier Hospital to avoid any hiccups regarding their mental status later.
Ishwarlall allegedly suffered serious head injuries in 2007 when she was knocked down by a vehicle while crossing a road in Clairwood.
It emerged yesterday that two of the three reports from Fort Napier were still being compiled. Once ready, they will be sent to the office of the directorate of public prosecutions.
The only issue outstanding before the case is transferred to the Durban High Court is the hospital’s conclusion whether or not the accused are fit to stand trial.
The accused are awaiting-trial prisoners at Westville Prison.
Jamie was allegedly abused and emaciated before her death. Her three siblings were later removed from their Havenside home and sent to a place of safety.
Outside court, Sivakumoor told POST that he also needed copies of the report from Fort Napier Hospital.
“Apart from giving an insight into the mental status of the accused, the reports will guide me with the steps to be taken regarding the three children at the place of safety,” he said.