The five arrested for kidnapping baby Eden Laird (13 months) were denied bail in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday and are facing charges of schedule six kidnapping and blackmail.
The domestic worker worked for Eden’s parents for years.
The case was postponed to May 15 for further investigation.
Three of the five suspects have private legal representation and two will make use of legal aid.
Three will be detained in Boksburg Prison and the other two in Johannesburg Prison.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lt Gen Deliwe de Lange, has now sanctioned an immediate further investigation by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), towards securing a successful conviction by the court.
Of these five suspects, four are Zimbabwean nationals, while the fifth suspect is South African.
“It is important in this instance to mention the nationality of the suspects in cautioning members of the public against recklessly employing people without conducting the necessary background checks,” said de Lange.
The Provincial Commissioner also applauded the multi-disciplinary team whose determination and dedication saw to the successful reunion of the missing child with his parents.
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Police arrested the initial two suspects at the ransom drop-off point in Ekurhuleni West.
Further investigations led police to Windmill Park where the domestic worker and another suspected co-conspirator were also arrested.
The fifth suspect was arrested in Katlehong, where a vehicle was seized on suspicion of having been used in the commission of the crime.
Message from Eden’s parents
Eden’s parents Stuart and Bronwyn thank the family and friends who gave their time and resources to assist in the successful rescue of Eden, they also wish to thank the Pink Ladies for all of their efforts and support.
Lastly, the family thanks the thousands of people, both locally and from around the world, for the messages of support and concern shown towards them.
“For now let us all embrace the joy of them being reunited with their youngest son, a joy which no doubt is being felt throughout the community,” said Michael Basch, spokesperson for the Laird family.
Article courtesy of the GCN’s sister newspaper the Alberton Record.
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