Cape Town – The woman whose daughter allegedly snatched a neighbour’s eight-month-old baby has revealed tragic details of the suspect's life.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Voice, Gina Julies, 55, of Scottsdene said her daughter, Miranda “Mindy” Julies, 37, suffered three miscarriages over the years.
“She is still hurt and broken about that, because she never received counselling," said Gina.
“I know in my heart she isn’t a woman who will take a child from its mother, but rather, she would shower that baby with love and attention."
Julies is expected to make her first appearance at the Kuils River Magistrate's Court on Tuesday on a charge of abduction.
Prosecutors are set to prove Julies took little Lucus Cedras from his cot in Hartebees Street, Scottsdene, on Tuesday, January 10, after asking his grandmother Mercia Cedras if she could show him to people in the street.
Simone Cedras with baby Lucus. Picture: Solly Lottering/Daily Voice
On Thursday, Gina called cops to her home in Nellie Street, shortly after Julies left the child with her.
Cops found Julies on Friday under a bridge near Kraaifontein Post Office.
Gina believes her daughter “snapped” after suffering her third miscarriage.
“She had three terrible miscarriages over the years," she said.
“The last one was 18 years ago, I cannot remember if it was a boy or a girl.
“During the last miscarriage, she carried the dead baby in her arms to the police station.
“It was too much for her."
Gina said she last saw her daughter in December, before she suddenly showed up on Thursday, with baby Lucus.
“Lucus’ mother Simone was at my home last week with detectives while they were looking for Mindy," she said.
“I said I had not seen my daughter for more than a month. I only told them the truth.”
Gina said she prayed for her daughter to return with the baby.
“On the Thursday morning I prayed, 'God, let my child bring the baby back'.
“At 5.30pm, my daughter arrived at my home with Lucus, he looked well, and was clean.
“I knew it was a sign that God had answered my prayers.
“She was barely out of the house when I called the police.
“Within minutes the police arrived.”
Gina, who suffers from asthma, said she continues to pray for her daughter.
“Many people criticise me (for calling the police on her) but I am a mother and I only did what is expected from a mother,” she said.
“The child belongs with his rightful parents.”