Baby kidnappers found guilty

Months of fear that a baby’s kidnappers could get off scot-free came to an end on Wednesday.

Khalid Ayub and Khadija Khan were found guilty of kidnapping, attempted murder and robbery in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court last week.

The couple was found guilty of kidnapping Revelation Jones, who was 6 months old at the time, from his home in Bez Valley and beating the nanny in January.

Revelation’s father, Mr Ifeanyi Jones, returned home from work to find his children’s nanny, Ms Veronique Ndomba, lying in a pool of blood. She had been beaten and strangled.

Mr Jones then realised his son was missing.

It was soon established that the couple, who were Mr Jones’ tenants, was responsible for beating the nanny and kidnapping Revelation. Ms Ndomba was taken to hospital and the search for Revelation began.

The kidnappers demanded a ransom the following day. However, police officers made a breakthrough and arrested the couple in Fordsburg on January 10. Revelation was found.

The couple appeared in court on numerous occasions. No end in sight to this case led to Revelation and Ms Ndomba’s families becoming discouraged. They said the case was taking too long and all they wanted was to move on.

Khan had also been granted bail because she was pregnant with her fourth child.

After the verdict was handed down, Ms Khanyisile Mnisi, Revelation’s mother, said, “Justice at last. Our prayers have been answered. I was worried this case was going to drag on and that the couple would be found not guilty. God has done wonders for us. I am so relieved this case is over. I hope the couple is handed a long sentence for what they did. I cannot understand how a mother could do such a horrific thing. I cannot understand how she sleeps at night.”

“They did this because they wanted money. The husband said the woman wanted more money and he had no option but to do it. She said he was responsible for the beating and kidnapping. I am so glad the magistrate saw the truth and found them guilty,” said Ms Mnisi.

Ms Ndomba’s husband, Mr Daniel Kanda, said his family is glad that justice has been served.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Mr Kanda said, “I feel sorry for the woman because she has children. However, my wife, a baby and our families suffered. What the couple did was wrong. I am ready to forgive them but the only way this can happen is if they apologise sincerely.” He said his wife struggled with her health just after the incident but she is much better now.

“She gets about two to three headaches a week and one of her legs still hurts, but she is getting better. The children are also doing well. I am glad we can move on now,” he said.

Ms Mnisi said she wishes every mother who suffered like she did, can get the same justice she received.

“There are so many mothers and families out there who are suffering because of the harm caused to their children. I just wish the least they can get is justice for the pain they are going through. People are losing their morals. I hope this case is a wake-up call to those criminals who think they can hurt people and get away with it. I watch my children closely these days. I also guard other children I see because you never know what can happen,” she said.

Ms Mnisi said she will not let her guard down and urges other parents to do the same. She said Revelation, now 14 months old, is a happy baby and he is learning more as the days go by.

“He was a bit delayed with his walking and talking. He only just recently started standing but I am fine with that. He has his whole life ahead of him to learn what he needs to learn,” she said.

The couple will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court for sentencing on November 6.