Jeremiah Ruiters slaying: Couple face more charges over siblings

Jeremiah Ruiters File photo: INLSA

Jeremiah Ruiters File photo: INLSA

Published Jul 19, 2018

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Cape Town - More charges have been laid against a Kensington couple accused of murdering 18-month-old Jeremiah Ruiters. The new charges relate to the alleged abuse and neglect of Jeremiah's siblings, News24 reported.

Jeremiah's mother, Abigail Ruiters, and her boyfriend, Ameerodien Peters, were arrested when he was declared dead at Factreton Clinic on June 12, 2017.

Police became more suspicious after allegedly spotting older injuries on the toddler's body. This led them to visiting the family's home in Kensington, whereupon it was allegedly discovered that Ruiters' two daughters, aged three and eight, were in a state of neglect.

According to the State: "The three children (Jeremiah and his sisters) often presented as dirty and unkept.  At times, they were left at home without supervision."

Allegations contained in the document include that the older daughter had missed school on several occasions, causing her to repeat a grade. A teacher also had to discuss the older daughter's hygiene and absenteeism with her biological father, Wesley Timms, the document further revealed.

Further allegations were made that Peters choked the younger daughter. The document also noted that the premises were "unkept, dirty and with dangerous objects lying around".

Both Ruiters and Peters have been charged with murder and charges in terms of the Children's Act, while Peters faces an additional charge for the alleged rape of Jeremiah.

The little boy died as result of a blunt or sharp force to his head. The cause of death is cited as "multiple injuries and the consequences thereof".

The accused are expected to appear in the Western Cape High Court at a later date.

Cape Times

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