Fake workshop, spiked drink, e-hailing escape – alleged abductor in court

Baby

Cape Town – A 37-year-old woman from Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain, appeared briefly in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Thursday following her arrest for allegedly abducting a newborn baby from Middestad Mall in Bellville last Saturday.

She faces two charges: kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.

According to SABC News, the accused is alleged to have lured 25-year-old mother Imaan Shamar to the mall under the pretense of attending a support workshop for young mothers.

On the way to the mall, Jacobs reportedly gave Shamar a cold drink that may have been spiked, the report said.

Once inside the mall, Shamar felt unwell and went to the bathroom, leaving her newborn son, Mogamat Imaad Shamar, in Jacobs’ care. Jacobs then allegedly fled with the baby using an e-hailing service.

The dramatic kidnapping triggered public concern and a police investigation that led to Jacobs’ arrest. The baby was found unharmed and safely reunited with his mother two days later.

Family members, relatives, and media representatives packed the courtroom during Thursday’s appearance.

The matter has been postponed to July 10 for the prosecution to gather bail-related information.

Outside court, Shamar’s family expressed relief that the infant was safely recovered and vowed to follow the case closely.

“We are happy to have found the child, and the alleged kidnapper is facing the full might of the law,” a family spokesperson told Newzroom Afrika.

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