THE kidnapping court case of Eden Laird has once again been postponed, this time to May 21, for the formal bail hearing.
Cleopatra Manjankozi, Kholwani Nyathi, Amos Moyo, Maduna Nonkanyiso and Nelisini Gabela are facing charges of schedule six kidnapping and blackmailing.
Eden was allegedly kidnapped by Manjankozi on May 2, 2018, from his house in Brackendowns. It was reported to police that the domestic helper had taken the child from his Brackendowns home for a walk from which they never returned.
The suspects demanded a R6-million ransom for the baby’s safe return. Police set up a sting operation, which led to the child being found in Windmill Park near Boksburg, and he was safely home in his parents’ arms on May 5, 2018.
All five accused reappeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on May 6. During the case, it was mentioned that the court will only make use of affidavits and not oral evidence for the bail hearing.
The court is also waiting for verification of one of the accused’s address. The three men are still being detained in Boksburg Prison and the women with the baby is being held in Johannesburg Prison.
Show your support
Supporters of the Laird family are inviting people to support the family by attending the next court date and those interested can also ask for a ‘Justice for Baby Eden’ shirt to wear on the day. For more information, contact Jacqui, friend of the family, on 071 687 1537.
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Baby Eden kidnapping case transferred to the District Criminal Court
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