R1k bail for abducted Durban baby’s mother and accomplice
It is alleged the kidnapping charges were not mentioned in court today.
Stock image.
Mother of the abducted Durban baby and her accomplice made their second court appearance at the Durban Magistrates’ Court this morning, Highway Mail reports.
According to reports, the courtroom was packed to capacity as concerned residents and media waited in anticipation for the proceedings to begin.
The court heard that both the accused faced charges of fraud over wasted police resources and defeating the ends of justice for the feigned hijacking. There was no kidnapping charge mentioned.
The state prosecutor said they would not be opposing bail for now.
READ MORE: Baby Siwaphiwe’s mom and accomplice appear in Durban court
“The baby in question is still in a place of safety and will not be central to this case, as a separate case will be heard in the family court,” said Magistrate Mahomed Motala.
Magistrate Motala was asked to consider the public outrage when setting the bail amount, however, the accomplice’ attorney, Andile Dakela, said his client had no previous convictions or cases against him.
The mother’s lawyer also defended his client by saying she had four children, including the baby in question. She is a schoolteacher and the sole breadwinner.
Both accused were granted bail of R1 000 and will make their next court appearance on Tuesday, 9 May.
-Caxton News Service
For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.
