Court grants R5 000 bail to Durban baby kidnapping case suspect
When a mother accepted a stranger's offer to buy her groceries, she did not expect the 'Good Samaritan' to kidnap her six-day-old baby.
A WOMAN (50) was granted R5000 bail when she appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court for charges of kidnapping on Tuesday, January 11.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, a six-day-old boy was kidnapped on November 22, 2021, at 14:00 in central Durban. Gwala said the mother of the child, who had just left hospital in Berea, was waiting for a bus when she was approached by an unknown woman.
“The woman offered to buy groceries for the child after she learned that the mother was unemployed. The complainant (mother) and the woman boarded a taxi to Dr Pixeley Kaseme Street in Durban,” said Gwala.
Also read: Child kidnapping prevention tips for all ages
It is alleged that the woman gave the mother cash and offered to hold baby while the mother shopped.
“The complainant (mother) left her baby with the woman, who stood outside the shop. After a few minutes, the mother of the child returned from the shop and discovered that the woman had disappeared with the infant. A case of kidnapping was opened for investigation,” said Gwala.
Also read: Robbery suspect arrested by Durban Central SAPS
According to Gwala, the 50-year-old woman was traced and arrested in Mgababa on Monday, January 10, and the baby was reunited with his mother. After the woman appeared in court, the matter was remanded to March 1.
Anyone with information that can assist the Durban Central detectives in their investigation is requested to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Zulu, on 082 750 8947 or 031 325 4079.
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