Twelve years after the death of 19-month-old Krisley Dirker, the murder trial against her mother and stepfather has finally begun in the Gqeberha High Court. Kristen and Robin Clarke face charges of murder, child neglect, and failure to provide medical assistance in a case that has shocked the community and highlighted systemic delays in the justice system.

Over the past four days, the court has heard harrowing testimony from witnesses who described signs of abuse leading up to Krisley’s death in October 2013. According to reports, the toddler had slipped into a coma in September of that year and died a week later. Witnesses—including a couple close to the Clarks—testified that they had seen Krisley in a frail state with visible bruises shortly before her hospitalization.

The witnesses recounted that when they asked the toddler if she was hurt, she responded as if in pain. Despite these alarming signs, no immediate intervention occurred, and Krisley later succumbed to her injuries.

The Clarks were only arrested in 2022, nearly a decade after Krisley’s death. Reports indicate that pressure from family and friends played a role in the eventual arrest. However, due to court backlogs, the trial did not begin until this week—four years after their arrest.

The couple now faces multiple charges, including:

The state is expected to call more witnesses to testify about their suspicions of abuse throughout Krisley’s short life.

The tragedy has reignited discussions about child protection and the vulnerabilities of children even under the care of their guardians. Legal experts and child advocates have pointed to systemic failures in both social services and the judicial system, questioning why justice took so long to be pursued.

As the trial continues, the community watches closely, hoping for accountability in a case that has been overshadowed by delays for far too long.