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'Mom' may not contact kidnapped Zephany


A woman who allegedly kidnapped a newborn baby at Groote Schuur hospital 17-years ago was released on bail of R5000 on Friday.

The woman may not be identified for the protection of the child, who is still regarded as a minor.

She appeared in the Cape Town District Court before Magistrate Mark Engel, who warned her not to have contact, direct or indirect, with the girl or any State witnesses, as one of the bail conditions.

He told her this included no contact with the girl or witnesses via Facebook or any other social media forum.

The large courtroom was packed to capacity, with some reporters seated on the floor in the well of the courtroom.

The magistrate said the accused was not considered by the State to be a flight risk.

She also had no previous convictions, pending criminal cases, or outstanding warrants for her arrest.

Engel ruled that, under the circumstances, it was in the interests of justice to release her on bail.

The accused is alleged to have kidnapped the baby on April 30, 1997, as she lay in her sleeping mother's arms in the hospital.

Engel said the purpose of bail was to secure the accused's attendance at proceedings and not to determine her guilt or innocence.

She must also report to the police 3 times a week.

She will be back in court on the 29th of May

 

Sapa