'Abuse' mom gets bail

'Abuse' mom gets bail

19/10/2006 11:47

Johannesburg - The adoptive mother of 21-month-old Tammy Herman, who died in what was called one of South Africa's worst child abuse cases, was granted R10 000 bail in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

Zaibunisa Herman, 34, briefly appeared in court in connection with the death of Tammy in January.

Dressed in brown formal pants and a brown chiffon shirt, Herman folded her arms and looked straight ahead as Magistrate S Radasi granted her bail.

"The State has not opposed bail and after considering the facts, bail has been granted at an amount of R10 000," Radasi said.

"However, I have four bail conditions."

Herman must appear in court on the court date, she cannot leave Johannesburg without informing the investigating officer, she must hand over her passport to the investigating officer and she cannot leave the province without obtaining permission from police.

Herman was arrested at her home in Booysens on Wednesday in connection with the death of the baby girl.

Tammy died in January shortly after being admitted to Garden City Clinic with 12 broken ribs, liver damage and brain damage after she had seemingly been severely assaulted.

Her adoptive parents from Booysens took her to hospital after she suffered seizures and vomited excessively.

Johannesburg police spokesperson Constable Sefaku Xaba said it appeared the woman had adopted Tammy as "security" to save her marriage. The Hermans adopted Tammy when she was four-months-old.

Herman will re-appear in court on November 16.