THE five suspects who were involved in the kidnapping of 13-month-old Eden Laird reappeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on June 19.
Cleopatra Manjankozi (domestic worker), Kholwani Nyathi, Amos Moyo, Maduna Nonkanyiso and Nelisini Gabela are facing charges of schedule six kidnapping and blackmail.
Supporters of the Laird family wore white shirts with the words “Justice for baby Eden” in court.
Magistrate Marie Haulson postponed the case to June 28 for a formal bail application and for accused number two, Amos Moyo, to get a new legal representative. The five abandoned their bail applications during Tuesday’s court proceedings.
Four out of the five suspects are illegal immigrants and one is a South African citizen. The three men will be detained in Boksburg Prison and the two women, of which one has a baby, in Johannesburg Prison as bail is not set.
Eden was reported missing on May 2. It was reported to police that the domestic helper had taken the child from his Brackendowns home for a walk and never returned.
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.
*The RECORD will keep readers updated.
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! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
