Two out of the five suspects accused of kidnapping baby Eden Laird, were found guilty in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court for kidnapping and extortion.

Accused one Nelisani Gabela (27) and accused five Cleopatra Manjankozi (30) were on Thursday found guilty and the other three: Admos Moyo (26), Nonkanyiso Maduna (25) and Kholwani Nyathi (29), were not found guilty due to a lack of evidence.

All of the accused previously pleaded not guilty.

The 13-month-old baby was reported missing on May 2, 2018. The family’s domestic worker at that stage, Manjankozi, left Eden’s home in Brackendowns, Alberton, for a stroll with the toddler on the day – and never returned. This is according to police reports.

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

The convicted wanted a ransom of R6m in exchange for the baby’s safe return. The Lairds gave the kidnapper R125 000 as a first ransom.

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 that weekend.

The suspects’ first court appearance was on May 7, 2018.

Gabela and Manjankozi are expected to appear before the court again on August 15 for sentencing.