Man accused of beating girlfriend with baby to remain behind bars as case postponed

A man accused of murdering his two-day-old baby when he used her as a weapon will remain behind bars until next week.

Alexander Forba Nde, 32, from Cameroon, appeared for the second time in the Kgosi Mampuru II prison court in Pretoria on Tuesday.

He is accused of murder and assault after he allegedly held the baby girl by her legs and struck the woman with her. The baby, nicknamed Precious because she had not yet been officially named, died at the Kalafong Hospital a short while later. The assault allegedly came after an argument broke out over paternity of the child.

Prosecutor Sipho Letsoalo asked that the case be moved to the Pretoria Magistrate's Court and postponed to next week to enable the media to apply to be allowed to photograph and record in court.

"Considering the case is of public interest, it must be given the treatment that it demands," said Letsoalo.

His request was granted.

Nde's request to be released pending his next appearance was denied, with the prosecution saying he poses a high flight risk.

Nde is expected to bring a formal bail application next week.