TANYA Sewpersad, the mother of the baby who was abducted in Pinetown and sold to married couple, was admitted to hospital yesterday (11 March).
The five people who were arrested, including the married couple, their domestic worker and two bogus social workers, appeared briefly in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court earlier today.
The court proceedings were a bit delayed, as the magistrate who is in charge of the case, Magistrate Kirsten, was off sick. Magistrate Mnguni, who stood in for her, said the case will be postponed to Monday, 16 March. “Magistrate Kirsten will pass ruling on the bail hearing application,” he said.
Outside the courtroom Tshelimnyama residents protested, carrying placards saying ‘No bail’. William Msomi, who spoke on behalf of the community, said they are very concerned about child abductions. “We want these people to pay for what they did, and they should not be granted bail. The government should really look into human trafficking. What kind of person sells a human being?” said Msomi. The residents said they will follow this case to the end. “We are a peaceful community and we will protest peacefully outside this courtroom, but we want our message to be heard, ” Msomi added.
He also added that the community is very happy that the child is back with his mother and is safe. “This was a very difficult time for Tanya,” said Msomi.
