MBOMBELA – Although five people have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a newborn baby from Rob Ferreira Hospital almost two weeks ago, the infant has not been found yet.
Martha Mandlazi (16) gave birth to a boy on August 30 and he disappeared from the hospital the same day. The suspects are being charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and kidnapping.
According to police two of the accused, Ms Ananias Ndzimba (27) and Mr Julius Sithole (25), are Mozambican citizens. Their co-accused Mr Phineas Sono (35), Mr Aaron Moyo Nyoni (20) and Ms Portia Ncube (31) were arrested in Mataffin where Mandlazi resides.
Mpumalanga police spokesman, Brig Selvy Mohlala said they were working with the Mozambican authorities to find the baby.
“We hope and trust that we will find him alive and reunite him with his parents. We can’t rule out the possibility that he has left the country, or that he is still in the country.”
The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison applauded the police on the arrest. MEC Mr Vusi Shongwe said, “We appeal to the police to leave no stone unturned in order to speedily reunite the stolen infant with the family and to also bring these rogue elements to book.”
He also called on security workers in hospitals to be vigilant and cautious to ensure such incidents were not repeated. The suspects are in police custody and will reappear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
