The case against Denise Truter (21) and Cornelius Roos (22), who were charged with child neglect after leaving their 22-month-old daughter in the car while gambling, was postponed until March 6 during a brief appearance in Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court.

They were released on bail of R1 000 each. Loraine Kalp, an inspector, said earlier that the 22-month-old girl had been taken to a place of safety.

The child was discovered locked in a white Fiat Uno in the parking lot of the Windmill Casino just before midnight on Wednesday by two men who heard the baby screaming as they passed by.

Baby left with bottle of sour milk

One window was open, and there was a bottle of sour milk, a blanket and a toy next to the toddler. The men broke the car window and called the casino's guards, the welfare department, police and paramedics.

The baby was taken to the casino kitchen where her nappy was changed and she was given fresh milk. The child was then taken to hospital, after which a child welfare worker placed her in the care of a temporary foster parent.

Police said the child was apparently sleeping when her parents arrived at the casino. Security videos will be studied to see how long the child was left alone.

Public outraged by couple’s behaviour

A member of the public reportedly hit the child's father when he was finally found, while casino staff had to stop bystanders from wrecking the couple's car.

Mike van Vuuren, the casino manager, said he immediately banned the child's parents from the casino, "because the safety of children is a top priority."

Meanwhile, the police have asked anyone able to assist their investigation with information to contact Richard Botha, the investigating officer sergeant on 083 697 0982.