Two weeks after baby Mogamat Imaad Sharmar was safely recovered from his alleged kidnapper, new developments have emerged in the case as the accused seeks to have her bail conditions relaxed, sparking strong opposition from victim advocacy groups.
Sameemah Jacobs, the 37-year-old woman charged with kidnapping the nine-day-old infant, has submitted two separate applications to the Bellville Magistrates’ Court requesting amendments to her current bail conditions. The applications include a request for a “religious excursion” and permission to visit Mitchells Plain.
Systematic deception revealed
Further details have emerged about the calculated nature of the alleged kidnapping, revealing a pattern of deception that began weeks before the actual abduction.
According to Action Society, Jacobs allegedly used multiple false identities to gain the trust of baby Mogamat’s mother, Imaan Sharmar. The suspect first befriended Sharmar at a clinic before the birth, using the name “Washeemah.”
Later, Jacobs allegedly posed as “Chevon,” claiming to be a nurse from a fabricated organization called the “Zoey Project.” Under this false identity, she convinced the new mother to participate in what was presented as a support programme, ultimately leading to the kidnapping on June 28.
“The accused’s actions were deliberate and manipulative, targeting a vulnerable mother and newborn through systematic deception,” said Kaylynn Palm, head of Action Society’s Action Centre.
Strong opposition to bail relaxation
Action Society has written to the Bellville Magistrates’ Court, arguing against any relaxation of Jacobs’ bail conditions. The organisation cites several concerns:
- Public Safety: The calculated nature of the crime demonstrates ongoing risk to the community
- Victim Retraumatization: Any easing of conditions could further traumatize the affected family
- Justice System Integrity: Relaxing bail conditions would undermine public confidence in the judicial process
“The severity of this crime and the methodical way it was executed cannot be understated,” Palm emphasised. “The accused used multiple identities and elaborate deception to target one of society’s most vulnerable members – a newborn child and new mother.”
Case background
The kidnapping occurred on Saturday, June 28, when Sharmar visited a Bellville shopping complex with her newborn. After becoming nauseous and using bathroom facilities, she left her baby in the care of Jacobs, whom she believed to be a trusted helper. Upon her return, both Jacobs and the infant were gone.
An intensive two-day manhunt involving multiple specialised police units led to the baby’s recovery on June 30 at an address in Honolulu Street, Tafelsig. The infant was found unharmed and reunited with his family.
The investigation involved: – Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit – Provincial Organised Crime: Anti Kidnapping Investigation – Crime Intelligence units
The bail-amendment hearing is scheduled for November 6, where the court will consider Jacobs’ applications alongside Action Society’s opposition.
The case has highlighted the vulnerability of new mothers and the sophisticated methods some criminals use to exploit trust and manipulate victims. It has also demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated police response when dealing with child abduction cases.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for baby Mogamat and his family while maintaining public safety through appropriate bail conditions.
The investigation into the kidnapping remains ongoing, with the Bellville FCS Unit continuing to lead the probe.
