Mother in missing #Durbanbaby case sentenced to five years
The Durban mother who led police on a wild goose chase after claiming her infant daughter had been taken by hijackers has been sentenced to five years imprisonment.
Sibongile Mbambo pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice in December.
The incident happened in March last year.
With her head in her lap, Mbambo sobbed as Magistrate Anand Maharaj handed down the sentence in Court U.
Maharaj said that from the woman's actions, it showed she really did not care about her family.
Maharaj said being the primary caregiver is not a get-out-of-jail ticket.
Earlier during closing arguments State Prosecutor, Kuveshna Pillay told the court the state wanted a sentence of imprisonment to teach Mbambo a lesson.
Pillay said the 35-year-old played with the emotions of South Africans who were desperate to find her child.
The prosecutor said Mbambo betrayed South Africa and had ample time to come forward.
Mbambo's attorney, Mfanafuthi Biyela had asked for a suspended sentence - saying it would allow her to resume her duty of being the sole breadwinner in her family and taking care of her daughter.
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After the sentencing was handed down earlier, Jane Linley-Thomas called HOLAH Baby House, the home that looked after the baby during her mother's trial.