The state closed its case against Zephany Nurse's alleged kidnapper on Thursday, exactly a year after it was confirmed that the 18-year-old was the baby kidnapped from Groote Schuur Hospital in 1997.
Speaking outside the Western Cape High Court after the day's proceedings, her biological father, Morne, said they had no special plans and hoped to celebrate once the case was concluded.
“Then we can go on with our lives. Her future will be determined by the court,” he said.
He said the family was satisfied with the state’s case. The defence would begin calling its witnesses on Monday.
"For now we are quite happy with proceedings.”
Prosecutor Evadne Kortje called her final witness, Warrant Officer Petro Coetzee from the Hawks on Thursday. She testified that the accused had maintained, when confronted by police exactly a year ago, the child she had raised was her own.
Registration of the child
Kortje on Thursday also called two Malmesbury home affairs officials to testify about the registration of the child in 2003, when she was six.
A woman, who the accused claimed collected her from the Retreat clinic the day she took Zephany home, also testified.
Mary Lewis, 85, said she did not recall fetching the woman or a baby in 1997.
The accused was arrested last year after 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 family.
When Morne Nurse discovered the girl had the same birthday as their missing child, he reported it to police.
DNA tests confirmed the teen was indeed their daughter.
The woman has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, fraud and contravening the Children’s Act. She may not be named to protect the teenager's identity.
Source: News 24
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