The trial of the woman who allegedly snatched baby Zephany from a hospital two decades ago is set to begin in the Western Cape High Court on Monday.

The 51-year-old suspect, who may not be named to protect Zephany’s identity, is facing charges of kidnapping, fraud and contravention of the Children’s Act.

Three-day-old Zephany was taken from Groote Schuur Hospital while her mother, Celeste Nurse, slept.

The accused had allegedly befriended Celeste and convinced her to hand over Zephany so she could rest.

It’s alleged that six years later, the accused took Zephany to the Department of Home Affairs in Malmesbury and registered her as her own daughter.

In her application, she claimed she gave birth to Zephany in Retreat on the day she was snatched, April 30, 1997.

Zephany, now 18, was reunited with her family last year after DNA tests confirmed she was Morne and Celeste Nurse’s long-lost daughter, after she had befriended her biological sister at high school

In an interview with YOU magazine last year, the accused denied being at the hospital on the day Zephany was kidnapped.

She claimed she had been given the baby by another woman and therefore could not have stolen her.

On Sunday, Zephany’s maternal granny, Marilyn Francis, told the Daily Voice they want the truth to be revealed.

“We will all be in court and of course we are nervous but we just want this whole thing to be over and done with so that we can move on with our lives,” she said.

“It’s been hanging over our heads for months now and every time the case comes up we are (opening up) old wounds.

“It’s going to be very emotional for all of us, but all we want is for the truth to finally come out so that we can all truly move forward.”

Western Cape MEC for Social Development Albert Fritz has also indicated he will be attending the first day of trial.

Fritz said: “The department has played an instrumental role in not only protecting and rendering ongoing therapy and counselling services to Zephany, but also assisting the criminal justice system in ensuring the truth is revealed and justice is served.

“This trial represents the beginning of the legal process which will hopefully bring clarity, justice and closure to all parties involved.”

High Court Judge Tandaswa Ndita will preside over the case which is scheduled to run until March 10.