CLEOPATRA Manjankozi (domestic worker), Kholwani Nyathi, Amos Moyo, Manduna Nonkanyiso and Nelisini Gabela appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on October 31.
This, 21 days after their case was transferred from the district court to the regional court. They are facing charges of schedule six kidnapping and blackmailing. The case, however, was again postponed to November 21 to give Nyathi and Gabela time to get legal representatives and to finalise the investigation.
Manjankozi, Nonkanyiso and Moyo applied for legal aid during the case. Their legal representative said that they did not want to apply for bail at this stage. Gabela is the only one out of the five who is from South Africa. The others are citizens of Zimbabwe.
The magistrate also asked Nonkanyiso if she has any relatives who can look after her baby when she appears in court.
“Babies and children are not allowed in the court and I don’t think that is fair to the child. We need to make arrangements for the baby,” said the magistrate.
Her legal representative replied that Nonkanyiso has family in Diepsloot but she doesn’t have their address. She knows how to get there. The state prosecutor said he will help the investigations officer with the matter so that she can be booked out of prison in order to show them where her family lives.
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. Supporters of the Laird family again wore shirts with the words “Justice for baby Eden” in court.
• Keep reading the RECORD for future updates.
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5 suspects to appear in the Palmridge Court for kidnapping baby boy
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