IT has been 10 months since the kidnapping of baby Eden Laird and his alleged kidnappers’ court case is still ongoing at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
On October 10, Cleopatra Manjankozi (domestic worker), Kholwani Nyathi, Amos Moyo, Maduna Nonkanyiso and Nelisini Gabela reappeared in court on charges of schedule six kidnapping and blackmailing. Gabela is the only South African citizen out of the five as the others are from Zimbabwe.
Manjankosi took Eden tied up on her back for a walk from the family’s house in Brackendowns on May 2 at about 8.45am and did not return. The suspects demanded a R6-million ransom for the baby’s safe return. Police set up a sting operation which led to Eden being found in Windmill Park near Boksburg during that weekend and he was safely home in his parents’ arms on May 5. Their first court appearance was on May 7. Manjankosi worked for the Laird family for two years.
The case was transferred to the district court and will continue on October 31. No bail was set and all five suspects remain in custody.
Supporters of the Laird family wore their white shirts with the words “Justice for baby Eden” again in court.
*Keep on reading the RECORD for updates about this case
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
