Days of rumours, speculation and investigation, then finally a confession. The mother of Melbourne toddler Sanaya Sahib was charged with the little girl’s murder on Tuesday, after chilling CCTV footage was released allegedly showing her returning from Darebin Creek with an empty pram.
The 22-year-old was due to face Melbourne Magistrate’s Court this morning for a file hearing, but failed to appear after a doctor and psychiatric nurse concluded it would be harmful to her mental health.
According to police, Ms Nikat made a full confession to Sanaya’s murder after being questioned.
She is yet to enter a plea and will remain in custody until her next court appearance in August.
The Heidelberg West community, already shocked by the 14-month-old’s death, have been left reeling following news of her mother’s arrest. One neighbour, Alex Salonikidis, told The Age she was both relieved and saddened to hear police had Ms Nikat in custody.
“I don’t know what’s more horrifying, the mother doing it or a stranger,” she said. “It’s just sad.”
Sanaya’s estranged father has also expressed his shock. More on Sameer Sahib’s reaction here.
Ms Nikat being taken to the police station. Via 7 News.
The court heard this morning that phone intercepts and CCTV footage from the local area will play a crucial role in the case against Ms Nikat.
The disturbing vision, obtained by 7 News, appears to show a woman pushing a toddler in a pram towards Darebin Creek, where Sanaya's body was found, then returning from the area without the child.
It is expected that police will allege that the woman pictured in the footage is Ms Nikat.
