Mother who allegedly kidnapped baby to apply for bail
A woman accused of stealing a baby from Bellville, Cape Town, briefly appeared in court on Tuesday.
MBOMBELA – Sheila Seba Graig (44), appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court after she was arrested and charged for the alleged kidnapping of a month-old infant.
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It is alleged that on August 12, the suspect arrived at the Nelspruit South SAPS Community Service Centre holding a newly-born child, where she allegedly told the officers she needed to complete an affidavit to enable her to adopt the child.
When the police enquired about the whereabouts of the biological mother, she reportedly presented a signed affidavit purported to be from the mother.
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In a statement received from Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Graig allegedly furnished the officers with a contact number, which was purportedly answered by a man who evaded the police.
The Hawks swiftly arrived at the station after being summoned.
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An investigation revealed that the child was apparently kidnapped after birth at the Bellville Hospital by a female who allegedly pretended to be the relative of the 26-year-old mother, who reportedly fell ill after giving birth.
Graig faces a charge of contravening the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act. The infant has since been taken to a place of safety while the Hawks’ investigations continue. Craig was remanded into custody and is expected back in court on August 20 for a formal bail application.
