Springs 'monster' dad re-applies for bail

A father from Springs on the East Rand accused of abusing his wife and five children and holding them captive will re-apply for bail, according to a media report.

The man's lawyers said there were new facts for the court to consider after his client was denied bail last month, the Star newspaper reported.

The 36-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his children, faced charges of attempted murder, child abuse, assault, and defeating the ends of justice.

He was arrested in May after his 11-year-old son fled the family's house and ran to a neighbour's house to beg for help. The neighbour called police.

The man slit his wrists in the court holding cells shortly after he was denied bail.

Meanwhile, his wife was arrested for the same charges several weeks after his arrest.

She also cannot be named.

She was granted bail after the court ruled that she was not a flight risk and did not pose a threat to witnesses involved in the case.