4-month-old baby kidnapped after mother lured out of house

BULAWAYO – Police are investigating the kidnapping of a four-month-old baby in New Parklands, Bulawayo, after the child’s mother was allegedly lured out of her home by a stranger she met through a WhatsApp group offering free children’s clothing. Police said the incident occurred on December 29 following online communication that began two days earlier. Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Msebele Nomalanga said the 26-year-old mother had joined a WhatsApp channel known as Idale Labomama about four months ago.

On December 27, she responded to a post inviting people in need of children’s clothes to contact a listed phone number. “She contacted the number via WhatsApp and communicated with an unknown person who introduced herself as MaNdlovu of Cowdray Park and offered to deliver the clothes to her residence,” said Inspector Msebele. On December 29 at around 6AM, the suspect allegedly messaged the woman indicating that she would deliver the clothes that day.

At about 1PM, the mother was instructed to wait at the corner of Harare Road and Cecil Avenue in New Parklands – a short distance from her home – to collect the items. Police said the woman left one of her four-month-old twins asleep in a bedroom at home, while her four-year-old daughter was playing outside. She then proceeded to the meeting point with the other twin.

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After waiting for about 15 minutes, the mother reportedly received another message stating that someone identified only as “Lo” had been sent to deliver the clothes. No-one arrived. Upon returning home, she discovered that the baby she had left sleeping in the bedroom was missing.

She immediately reported the matter to the police. Police have appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in the arrest of the suspect or the recovery of the baby to report at any nearest police station. “We appeal to all parents and guardians to avoid oversharing sensitive personal information online, as this exposes them and their children to serious risk,” Inspector Msebele said.

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