Nelisani Gabela (27) and Cleopatra Manjankozi (30), convicted for kidnapping baby Eden Laird, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, Johannesburg, yesterday for an appeal application.

They are appealing the sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment handed to them by the magistrate’s court.

Eden – only 13 months old at the time – was reported missing on May 2, 2018. The domestic worker left her place of work, Eden’s home in Brackendowns, Alberton, with the toddler for a stroll and never returned. This is according to police reports.

Manjankozi worked for the Laird’s for two years after being recommended by Eden’s grandparents, who she worked for.

The offender demanded R6m as a ransom for the baby’s release. The Laird’s paid the abductors a first ransom of R125 000.

Eden was safely returned to his parents on May 5, 2018, thanks to a police sting operation that resulted in his discovery in Windmill Park near Boksburg.

Gabela and Manjankozi first appeared in court on May 7, 2018, and were sentenced at the end of July. The other three accused: Admos Moyo (26), Nonkanyiso Maduna (25) and Kholwani Nyathi (29), were not found guilty due to a lack of evidence.

During the appearance yesterday, the matter was postponed to October 3 for Gabela’s attorney to acquire a mandate from his firm to continue with the matter.