The Bellville Magistrate’s Court has granted media access to cover the first court appearance of a 37-year-old woman accused of kidnapping a newborn baby from a shopping mall in Bellville over the weekend.
The infant was abducted on Saturday but was safely recovered two days later and reunited with his mother, 25-year-old Imaan Sharmar.
The accused faces two charges: kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
Family members and relatives of Sharmar gathered at the courthouse on Thursday, seeking answers and justice as the suspect made her initial appearance. The courtroom is expected to remain under tight security as the case unfolds.