Zephany kidnapper still manipulative, court told

IT WAS unthinkable to reintegrate the woman convicted of kidnapping 3-day-old Zephany Nurse from hospital into society, as she was manipulative and deceitful, the State argued in the Western Cape High Court yesterday.

As the 18-month court case drew to an end, with sentencing expected on Monday, State prosecutor Evadne Kortjeasked that the 52-year-old kidnapper receive a 10-to-15-year sentence.

The kidnapper, who cannot be named to protect Nurse, who now goes by a different name, was convicted in March by Judge President John Hlophe of kidnapping, fraud and contravention of the Children’s Act.

Nurse was stolen from Groote Schuur Hospital on April 30, 1997, and even though she was found guilty, the kidnapper maintains her innocence.

It is her version that she arrived at Wynberg Station on April 30 and was handed a baby by a woman named Sylvia – a nurse who worked at Groote Schuur Hospital, she said.

Kortje said during closing arguments yesterday that the kidnapper had shown no remorse or empathy, but had continued her manipulative behaviour by blaming others.

“The accused shows a lack of insight in failing to appreciate that she is not the victim in this matter,” Kortje said. “The accused’s malign influence must be removed in order for Zephany Nurse to explore the reunification with her biological parents, Celeste Nurse and Morne Nurse. She has lied to the very people she loved, including her husband and sisters.”

Defence lawyer Reaz Khan argued that his client’s inability to conceal a lack of remorse and empathy, and her inability to pretend otherwise, suggested an overwhelming need to protect her identity. francesca.villette@inl.co.za

@FrancescaJaneV