Finality sought in kidnap trial

THE CLOCK is ticking for the State to complete its investigations into a Durban woman and her lover who stand accused of staging a one-month-old baby’s kidnapping from the city centre in March.

The two came before magistrate Mahomed Motala in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The woman wore what has now become a signature shawl draped over her face, and the man wore a red T-shirt.

During their brief appearance, Motala announced that the State had until the end of next month to finalise its case.

The State had requested a four-week adjournment and asked that it not be marked final, saying two police statements were still outstanding.

However, the woman’s lawyer, Mfanafuthi Biyela, as well as the man’s lawyer, Andile Dakela, both said they would rather adjourn the matter for a slightly longer period and have it marked final.

Motala agreed this would be better.

“It is time this high-profile case met some closure,” he said.

The trial was adjourned to July 28.

The infant at the heart of the case was reported kidnapped by her mother after a “hijacking” in Greyville early in March.

News quickly spread and a nationwide search for the baby was launched.

The infant was found three days later.

The pair face charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

They are out on bail of R1 000 each, and the baby remains in a place of safety.