NATIONAL NEWS - The charge of child abuse against Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride has been provisionally withdrawn by the state this morning, reports News24.

The report further states that McBride made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court as the announcement of the provisional withdrawal was made with no reason given by the state.

McBride was charged with child abuse and an alternative charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after allegedly assaulting one of his daughters in August 2017.

Earlier this year, he made a U-turn and abandoned his initial plan to make representations as to why he should not be prosecuted for child abuse.

Once the trial gets under way, one of his daughters is expected to be a defence witness during the proceedings.

During McBride’s appearance in court earlier this year, the court heard that the daughter had already submitted her statement.

In November, McBride’s bail conditions were amended so he could see and speak to one his daughters, who will be testifying.

Read more on The Caxton publication, The Citizen.