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18-year-old kidnapping case heads to High Court

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The matter against a woman accused of snatching a baby from Groote Schuur Hospital 18 years ago is headed to the Western Cape High Court.

The 50-year-old Lavender Hill suspect appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of kidnapping and fraud.

The matter was postponed to September 8 for indictment.

The accused, who may not be named as it may lead to the teenager being identified, was released on R5 000 bail in March.

Loved ones of the abducted teen’s birth parents filled the gallery. Before her appearance, the suspect sat mere metres from the girl’s biological mother.

Both avoided eye contact.

The suspect is accused of kidnapping the 3-day-old infant from hospital in 1997.

The teen’s identity was discovered when her biological sister, who is four years younger, told her parents that a matric girl at her school bore a striking resemblance to her and her father.

When they discovered the girl had the same birthday as their missing child, the parents reported it to the police.

DNA tests have since confirmed the teen is indeed their daughter.

Outside the court, the biological father said building a relationship with their daughter is a process.

“We’re taking baby steps for now. But we are getting to know her,” he said.

“It’s not just about getting the girl in your side. We have to work [on the relationship].”

The teen’s biological mother agreed, saying the situation is “not easy”.

“But she’s well. She’s okay and that’s good.” News24


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