Baby Eden’s kidnappers sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment

The Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court handed down sentences against two of the five accused of kidnapping Baby Eden, with each receiving a 15-year sentence on August 29.

Accused one, Nelisani Gabela and accused five Cleopatra Manjankozi, were both found guilty of kidnapping and extortion by the local magistrate’s court.

After the magistrate handed down the sentences, both accused appealed against the sentences.

Earlier, each of the suspects pleaded not guilty.

Eden was reported missing on May 2, 2018. The housekeeper allegedly took the toddler for a trip outside of her workplace, Eden’s residence in Brackendowns, and never came back. This is according to police reports.

Manjankozi worked for the Lairds for two years after being recommended by Eden’s grandparents, whom she worked for.

The alleged offender demanded R6m as a ransom for the baby’s release. The Lairds paid the abductor a first ransom of R125 000.

Eden was found in Windmill Park close to Boksburg that weekend as a result of a police sting operation, and he was safely returned to his parents on May 5, 2018.

The suspects’ first court appearance was on May 7, 2018. The two accused are expected to be back in court on September 11 for a formal appeal application.

If the applications are approved the matter will move from the regional to the high court.

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