Kidnapped nurse calls for greater victim help
- Published
Magdeline Makola was found by two police officers in the boot of her car on Boxing Day, 2008
A nurse who was kidnapped and left in the boot of a car for 10 days has joined a campaign calling for victims of crime to be given a higher priority.
Magdeline Makola was found bound in her car on Boxing Day in 2008, after being abducted by a man who robbed her.
She has joined with Victim Support Scotland who want victims and witnesses of crime to play a greater role in the legal system.
Ms Makola also called for changes to compensation rules.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the charity's "Manifesto for action: No going back" in Edinburgh, Ms Makola said she appreciated the help given to her following her ordeal.
However, she added: "I am very happy to endorse the charity's new manifesto, particularly calling for a fundamental review of the criminal injuries compensation scheme.
"Offenders should pay a surcharge on any fine and that money should be used to fund improvements to victim services in Scotland."
Fundamental review
Victim Support Scotland said changes were needed to ensure the needs of victims and witnesses of crime were paramount.
They are also calling for victims to be given a voice in community sentences and said the witness service should be made available in all Justice of the Peace courts.
The charity said there needed to be a fundamental review of criminal compensation in Scotland and that victims' compensation should be paid up front by the state.
Ms Makola, who works as a nurse in Edinburgh and Livingston, was found by two police officers after spending 10 days locked in the boot of her Vauxhall Astra in Airdrie.
She was suffering from the effects of dehydration and hypothermia.
South African Sifiso Justice Ngema, who was briefly known to Ms Makola, was sentenced to at least eight years for robbing and abducting her. He faces deportation upon his release.