Baby Eden kidnapping case continues

The five suspects who were involved in the kidnapping of Eden Laird when he was 13 months old reappeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on April 9.

Cleopatra Manjankozi (domestic worker), Kholwani Nyathi, Amos Moyo, Maduna Nonkanyiso and Nelisini Gabela are facing charges of schedule six kidnapping and blackmail.

Court proceedings

During the previous court case, it was mentioned Moyo’s lawyer has recused himself and this has led to the judicare having to take over and find a new representative for him, as the two Legal Aid lawyers already representing the other four suspects respectively cannot represent him, due to conflict of interest between the accused.

Finally, judicare appointed a lawyer representative to Moyo and the case was postponed to April 26 for disclosure and instructions.

Further to that date, May 11 has been set down for a trial date to be set.

“Once again, we want to take this opportunity to thank everyone near and far for the support and love we have received. It’s been a long wait, but God has His timing and His plans and we will get to see the end of this soon,” said the Laird family.

Eden’s story

Eden was reported missing on May 2, 2018.

It was reported to police that the domestic helper had taken the child from his Brackendowns home for a walk and never returned.

Manjankosi worked for the Laird family for two years.

The suspects demanded a R6-million ransom for the baby’s safe return.

Police set up a sting operation which led to Eden being found in Windmill Park near Boksburg during that weekend and he was safely home in his parents’ arms on May 5, 2018.

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

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