The five suspects who were involved in the kidnapping of Eden Laird reappeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on October 21.
Eden was 13 months old when he was kidnapped on May 2, 2018. He was found on May 5, 2018.
Cleopatra Manjankozi (domestic worker), Kholwani Nyathi, Amos Moyo, Maduna Nonkanyiso and Nelisini Gabela are facing charges of schedule six kidnapping and blackmail.
During the previous court case it was mentioned that Moyo’s lawyer has recused himself and this has led to the judicare having to take over and find a new representative for him, as the two Legal Aid lawyers already representing the other four suspects respectively cannot represent him, due to conflict of interest between the accused.
The case was postponed to October 30 to allow judicare time to appoint a lawyer for the suspect.
It was reported to police that the domestic helper had taken the child from his Brackendowns home for a walk and never returned.
Manjankosi worked for the Laird family for two years.
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 suspects’ first court appearance was on May 7, 2018.
*Read more by:
Baby Eden’s Kidnappers remain in custody
Baby Eden kidnapping case transferred to district court
Baby Eden kidnappers abandon bail applications
