Story highlights Zephany Nurse was seized from a Cape Town hospital in 1997

Sentencing has been set for May

(CNN) A South African woman accused of abducting a baby girl and raising her for 17 years has been found guilty of kidnapping.

Zephany Nurse was seized from a Cape Town hospital in 1997.

"We welcome the decision that came this afternoon," said Eric Ntabazalia, spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority. "It gives justice to the little girl, her parents, and the community. We will ask the judge for a lengthy custodial sentence. We will not dictate the length of that sentence."

Sentencing has been set for May.

The case has stunned the nation and made headlines around the world.

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