Woman accused of kidnapping Cape Town baby to remain in jail

The State is set to oppose the bail of the 37-year-old woman arrested and charged with the kidnapping of 9-day-old baby Mogamat Imaad Sharmar nearly a week ago.

This was revealed when the mother of three, Sameemah Jacobs, made her first appearance in the Bellville Magistrate's Court on Thursday. 

The media, who made an application to record and photograph proceedings, were allowed after a decision by Magistrate Theo Marx.

Magistrate Marx said in the interest of the public, the matter could be recorded.

Jacobs stepped into the dock dressed in a black salaah top and covered her face with a mask. 

Via her Legal Aid representative, Jacobs said she feared for the safety of her children who all attended school in Mitchell's Plain.

Magistrate Marx asked whether there was any evidence of this, and granted the media's application, stating that criminal proceedings were held in an open court unless there were exceptional circumstances eluding to sexual offences or domestic violence cases.

State prosecutor, Salaahuddeen Simon, said the State was opposing bail. 

Simon said they would have to determine what type of schedule it will be, and that they required bail information.

This is set to determine whether Jacobs has any previous criminal records.

"The State is opposing the accused's bail," said Simon.

"We have to determine which schedule it is and we need the bail information."

He further asked for a seven day remand to allow for bail information to be determined. 

The case was then stood down until July 10. 

Magistrate Marx turned his attention to a nervous looking Jacobs, who kept her head bowed during proceedings.

"Do you understand that the matter will stand down until July 10 for bail information and that the State is opposing bail?" he saud. 

Outside court, Imaad's mother, Imaan Sharmar, was supported by her family. 

Baby Imaad was also present and was held by his paternal grandmother, Nabilah Sagahr.

"I am so anxious now after seeing her," said Imaan.

Imaan's aunt, Kathleen Brevis, spoke to the Cape Argus outside court, where she said Jacobs was allegedly the same woman she met herself after Imaan was discharged from hospital..

"She was the one who made friends with her at hospital and brought her home after she (Imaan) was discharged from hospital after having the baby.

"She (Jacobs) was also pregnant. When she left Imaan couldn't find her hospital papers and had to get new ones. 

"On Saturday, a white car stopped outside and I didn't even know she was inside it but it was her."

Jacobs is facing two charges - kidnapping and defeating the administration of justice.

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Cape Argus