Zephany Nurse kidnapper pleads not guilty
A woman accused of snatching a three-day-old baby from Groote Schuur Hospital in 1997 has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The 51-year-old, who is accused of kidnapping the infant from her mother 19 years ago, appeared before Judge John Hlope in the Western Cape High Court.
The accused, who may not be named as it could lead to the teenager being identified, faces charges related to the Children's Act, fraud, and kidnapping.
She was arrested in February 2015 in connection with the kidnapping of the baby girl in 1997.
The matter came to light when the girl's biological sister, who is four years younger, told her parents that a matric girl at her school bore a striking resemblance to her and her parents.
When the parents discovered the girl had the same birthday as their missing child, they reported it to police.
DNA tests confirmed the teen was indeed their daughter.
A total of nine witnesses were expected to be called during the trial, seven for the State, and two for the defence.
(File photo: Getty Images)