Alleged Baby Snatcher Sameemah Jacobs’ Case Postponed Again as Bail Amendment Bid Stalls
The kidnapping case against alleged baby abductor Sameemah Jacobs hit another snag on Tuesday, with the Bellville Magistrate’s Court granting her Legal Aid lawyer a postponement to prepare an application to amend her bail conditions. Jacobs, accused of snatching nine-day-old Imaad Sharmar from his mother at Middestad Mall in Bellville in June 2025, has seen her matter delayed multiple times amid a string of lawyer changes and shifting reasons for seeking relaxed restrictions. The latest hold-up has left the baby’s mother, Imaan Sharmar, distraught, as she voiced her frustration outside court, saying the ongoing delays are “heartbreaking” and prolong her family’s pain. The matter is now set for 6 November 2025, when the court will review the bail amendment request.
This development comes after three postponements in as many weeks, highlighting challenges in the justice system, including frequent changes in Legal Aid representation. Jacobs, who was granted bail with strict conditions to stay out of Mitchells Plain where the Sharmar family lives, has cited various personal needs for the amendment – from religious excursions to visiting her son and now fetching belongings. Public reaction has been largely unsympathetic, with many South Africans expressing outrage online over what they see as lenient treatment for a serious crime.
Case Background: The Abduction and Initial Arrest
The incident unfolded on 14 June 2025, when Jacobs allegedly approached Imaan Sharmar at Middestad Mall, posing as a volunteer for a non-profit organisation helping new mothers. She convinced Sharmar to hand over her newborn for what was supposed to be a quick photo or assistance, only to disappear with the baby. Police launched a swift investigation, and thanks to CCTV footage and public tips, Imaad was safely recovered two days later on 16 June 2025 from a location in Mitchells Plain.
Jacobs was arrested shortly after and charged with kidnapping. She appeared in court on 19 June 2025, where bail was set at R5,000 with conditions prohibiting her from entering Mitchells Plain or contacting the Sharmar family. The case has since drawn widespread attention, symbolising broader concerns about child safety and the boldness of such crimes in public spaces.
Prosecutors argue Jacobs targeted the vulnerable mother deliberately, while her defence has maintained her innocence, claiming misunderstandings. The baby’s safe return was a relief, but the emotional toll on the family has been immense, with Imaan Sharmar previously sharing how the ordeal left her traumatised and fearful.
Series of Postponements and Lawyer Changes
Jacobs’ bid to amend her bail conditions began in early October 2025, but progress has been slow due to repeated delays. On 15 October 2025, the case was first postponed after Jacobs requested changes to attend a religious excursion, possibly linked to Hajj preparations. The magistrate warned her to follow proper procedures and set the next date for 21 October 2025.
At the 21 October hearing, the focus shifted slightly, with reports indicating Jacobs also sought permission to visit her son in Mitchells Plain amid the ongoing kidnapping allegations. However, her Legal Aid lawyer at the time was not prepared, leading to another postponement to 28 October 2025 for the amendment review.
Tuesday’s appearance marked the third delay in three weeks. Jacobs has had three different Legal Aid lawyers during this period, contributing to the hold-ups. Her current attorney told Magistrate Gcobani Ndaleni: “The client gave me this document, your worship, and before I can proceed with the application, I would like to peruse this document, your worship.” Ndaleni granted the request, rescheduling for 6 November 2025.
These repeated setbacks have frustrated all parties, particularly the prosecution and the Sharmar family, who feel the process is dragging on unnecessarily.
Mother’s Heartbreak and Public Outrage
Imaan Sharmar, speaking to reporters outside the court on Tuesday, expressed her deep distress over the latest postponement. “It’s heartbreaking. Every time we come here hoping for closure, it’s delayed again. My family just wants justice for what happened to our baby,” she said. The young mother has previously detailed the terror of those two days without her son, and the ongoing court saga has only added to her emotional burden.
Public sentiment echoes this frustration. Social media users have been vocal, with many unimpressed by Jacobs’ repeated requests for bail amendments. Comments range from calls for stricter conditions to outright anger at what some see as leniency. One user wrote: “How many chances does she get? This is ridiculous while the family suffers.” Others have questioned the efficiency of the Legal Aid system, pointing to the rapid lawyer changes as a sign of deeper issues.
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