Byline: Andani Matumba

Wednesday, 07 June 2023

The case against a 52-year-old woman, who kidnapped a newborn baby 22 years ago, has been postponed to 10 July 2023, for sentencing proceedings by the Ermelo Magistrates’ Court.

The accused pleaded guilty to the crime and was subsequently convicted of kidnapping of a newborn.

In her plea, she admitted that her actions were wrong.

In March 2001, the complainant gave birth to the child in a local hospital and was discharged.

On her way to the local taxi rank, she and her relative came across the accused who walked with them.

The relative went to the shop and left the complainant with the accused.

Then the accused offered to assist the complainant by holding a baby after realising that she was in pain and dizzy.

The accused took the baby and informed the complainant that she was going to find her relative but disappeared.

The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested in November 2021, after the family member saw a profile of a grown-up child on social media resembling features of the victim’s family.

A DNA test was conducted and positively linked the child with her biological mother.

The accused will be sentenced on 10 July 2023 at Ermelo Magistrate Court.