In 1997, a baby named Zephany Nurse was kidnapped from a South African hospital. Seventeen years later, a chance meeting between Zephany and her biological sister at school led to the revelation of her true identity. DNA tests confirmed she was the kidnapped baby. Her biological parents, Celeste and Morne Nurse, celebrated her return despite years of separation. The kidnapper, a woman named Lavona Solomon, was arrested and tried for the crime, claiming she received the baby from another woman. Zephany initially considered living with her biological parents but chose to stay with the family who raised her.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. A baby was kidnapped from a hospital in South Africa in 1997.
2. The kidnapping was not discovered until 17 years later.
3. A woman named Lavura was arrested for the crime.
4. The baby was given the name Michelle Solo and was raised by Lavura.
5. Michelle's biological parents had been searching for her since her disappearance.
6. Michelle was reunited with her biological parents, Celeste and Mariner, at a police station.
7. Lavura was sentenced to 10 years in prison for kidnapping, fraud, and violating the child statute.
8. Michelle's biological parents had three other children, but never forgot about their first daughter.
9. Michelle's biological parents celebrated her birthday every year, even though she was not with them.
10. Michelle considered changing her name to Zefa, her birth name, but decided to keep the name Michelle Solo.
11. Michelle's real name is Zefah Runners.
12. Lavura claimed that she had received the baby from a woman named Silvia Silva, but this story was not believed by the authorities.
13. Michelle's biological parents were separated for 17 years, but still celebrated Michelle's birthday together.
14. Michelle's mother, Lavura, did not reveal any information about the kidnapping when Michelle visited her in prison.
15. Michelle's story was featured in a book titled "The Year I Closed Two Hands on a Daughter" by João Plass.