Family of kidnapped Zephany deny reports of her ill health

A RANGE of therapists and counsellors is available to Zephany Nurse – the teen snatched as a newborn who discovered her real identity earlier this year – whose wellbeing has been brought into question.

If the teen chooses to approach them for support at any point, they will be prepared to assist her.

Yesterday a newspaper reported that Zephany, 18, appeared to be suffering from a nervous breakdown and would not write her matric exams.

It quoted Social Development MEC Albert Fritz as saying those in his department were very concerned about her, especially because she was “wasting this year of schooling”.

Fritz was quoted as saying Zephany appeared to have “snapped”, or suffered a breakdown.

Yesterday Weekend Argus could not reach Fritz for comment, but his spokesman Sihle Ngobese said his department was in touch with Zephany.

“The young woman has gone through an emotionally and psychologically difficult period of her life, and it is reasonable to expect that it has affected her emotionally.

“Our professional services, therapeutic interventions and support remains available for her to access at her pace,” Ngobese said. “We caution the media and general public to understand that this is a sensi- tive matter of a young woman who should be allowed space to build her own life.”

Ngobese said it was the only comment he would give on the matter. He did not comment on whether Zephany would be writing her matric exams.

Yesterday her biological father Morne Nurse said he was not sure why his daughter’s well- being was questioned, and said he knew nothing about the article.

Zephany’s biological grandfather Adam Nurse said he was also unaware of any breakdown. “We’re doing well. I wouldn’t know about this,” he said.

Zephany, who was snatched from Groote Schuur Hospital in 1997, was reunited with her biological family seven months ago, thanks to an extraordinary set of events. Zephany attended the same high school as her biological sister, and the two girls had become friends.

Others commented on how they looked alike, and Zephany’s biological father, who met Zephany, became suspicious when he learnt of her birth date.

Police were alerted and DNA test results confirmed the girl was Zephany.

The 50-year-old woman who raised Zephany was then arrested, and faces a kidnapping charge, along with another of fraud and contravening the Children’s Act.

She is expected to go on trial in the Western Cape High Court next year.

FATHER: Morne Nurse.