Background of the Case
Orderick Lucas was just 18 months old when he vanished in March 2019. Eight days later his body was discovered in a storm drain by children playing with a ball. The tragedy shocked the community and led to a criminal investigation that eventually involved several family members.
Court Appearance at Blue Downs Magistrates Court
On Tuesday the mother of Orderick, along with her parents—grandmother Cornelia Scheepers and grandfather Devon Scheepers—appeared briefly at Blue Downs Magistrates Court. The trio is facing charges of child neglect. Because a new legal‑aid lawyer needs to be appointed, the magistrate postponed the hearing until June 23.
Guilty Pleas Already Entered
Before Tuesday’s appearance, all three defendants had already pleaded guilty to the neglect charges. Their admissions were recorded in earlier court sessions, which is why the recent appearance was mainly procedural.
Possible Charge Change
During the hearing, the prosecutor mentioned that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had been consulted about altering one of the charges. The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed that discussions are underway but said the exact nature of the amendment cannot be disclosed until the defendants are formally notified and the change is made official in court.
Related Conviction: Melvin Volkwyn
The case against the grandparents and mother is separate from the murder conviction of Melvin Volkwyn. In September 2021, Volkwyn was found guilty of murdering Orderick and is currently serving a 20‑year prison sentence. His conviction highlighted the broader circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
What Happened to Orderick?
- Disappearance: Orderick was reported missing on 25 March 2019.
- Discovery: His decomposed body was found eight days later in a storm drain.
- Court‑Ordered Care: Prior to his disappearance, a children’s court had placed Orderick and his two siblings in the care of their grandparents on 8 January 2019.
- Visitation Issues: Although the court order forbade it, the children sometimes spent weekends at their mother’s home instead of staying with the grandparents.
- Foster Care: After an investigation into the household’s domestic situation, the siblings were moved to foster care.
Conclusion
The legal process surrounding Orderick Lucas’s tragic death continues to unfold. While the mother and grandparents have already admitted to neglect, the possibility of a revised charge adds a new layer to the case. Meanwhile, Melvin Volkwyn remains incarcerated for his role in the murder. The upcoming June 23 hearing will determine how the proceedings move forward, with the hope that justice will be fully served for the young victim.
