Zephany Nurse's kidnapper sentenced to 10 years in prison
Judge Hlophe told the kidnapper she had to be punished for kidnapping Zephany Nurse in 1997.
CAPE TOWN - The accused in the Zephany Nurse kidnapping case has been sentenced to an effective 10 years behind bars. The 52-year-old was sentenced in the Western Cape High Court today for snatching the then three-day-old infant from her sleeping mother's arms at the Groote Schuur Hospital in 1997.
#ZephanyNurse BREAKING kidnapper sentenced to 10 yrs
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 15, 2016
The 52-year-old has been given 14 years for kidnapping, of which four years have been suspended.
She also received five years for fraud and another five years for contravening sections of the Children's Act.
These sentences will run concurrently.
Earlier this year, Judge Hlophe found the Lavender Hill resident guilty of kidnapping, fraud and of contravening sections of the Children's Act.
Judge Hlophe told the kidnapper that she had to be punished for the offence adding that the protection of society and prevention of crime had been considered in his sentencing.
He says the punishment for the offender serves as a deterrent to anyone considering committing similar future offenses. Judge Hlophe reiterated that the kidnapper never showed any remorse or conceded guilt over the kidnapping.
#ZephanyNurse A year and a half of court proceedings done. It came to a head outside court. GG pic.twitter.com/DImDxmFG4f
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 15, 2016
#ZephanyNurse Kidnapper's family hurling abuse outside court following sentencing proceedings of their relative. GG pic.twitter.com/YHTOqPFDso
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 15, 2016