A desperate mother, 32-year-old Mapuleng Mabaso from Small Farms in Evaton, Gauteng is pleading with the community to help her find her baby, one-month-old Keabetswe Mabaso, who went missing on Friday.

According to the mother, her baby was allegedly taken by a woman who visited her home under the pretence of working for the Department of Social Development (DSD) under an organization ‘Mother and Child Development’ operating in Orange Farm.

Mabaso says that the woman who introduced herself as Nonhlanhla Khumalo, first came to her home on Wednesday, August 23. “She said she was from an organization which helps disadvantaged people with food parcels.”

Mabaso says she was happy that they were finally going to get some form of help.

“The lady returned on Thursday and I was able to relay my life story to her and share struggles I face daily.”

Mabaso says she was in the process of moving to a new place. She phoned the woman on Friday to inform her of her change in address so she would know where to deliver the food parcels.

“She came [to the new address] and said the car they were using to transport the food parcels was already making deliveries and would be at my house soon.

“I left her with my baby and went to the bathroom outside, when I returned, both the woman and my baby were gone.

Mabaso pleads with the woman to return her baby to her.

“What she has done to me has really hurt me and it is something I will never forget. Please find it in your heart to bring my baby back. I imagine that you are also a mother and you can feel my pain,” Mabaso says.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that police are investigating a kidnapping case.

Anyone with information can call the free SAPS Crimestop number 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS app.

Sedibeng Ster has inquired with the Department of Social Development (DSD) regarding the matter and is awaiting feedback.