‘Mom’ pleads not guilty

LILLIAN AMOS

The much anticipated Zephany Nurse kidnapping case officially started in the Cape High Court this week.

The accused, who cannot be identified to protect Zephany’s identity, has pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, kidnapping and the contravention of the Children’s Act.

The case officially started on Monday February 22 but was postponed to yesterday, Tues- day February 23, because the state and defence counsels had to finalise a list of submis- sions.

On Tuesday Zephany’s biological mother and father, Celeste and Morné Nurse, took the stand, to testify about what took place on the day that Zephany was snatched at Groote Schuur Hospital on April 30, 1997.

It all started last year when Mr Nurse launched his own investigation into his daughter’s kidnapping because of a miraculous coincidence.

The Nurse’s second born daughter, Cassidy Nurse, started Grade 8 at Zwaanswyk High School in Tokai last year and her peers noticed the striking resemblance she bore to a Grade 12 pupil – who turned out to be her sister, Zephany.

In court, Mr Nurse testified that he had a meeting with Zephany and investigated her Facebook profile.

As soon as he had enough evidence he took the case to the Hawks, who then further investigated the case.

High Court Judge President John Hlophe presided over proceedings, which is scheduled to proceed until Thursday March 10.