Abducted baby found after seven-month search

According to reports the child was allegedly taken by a South African woman after she had offered to assist the biological mother with the infant.

The Free State Department of Social Development along with Lesotho’s Department of Social Development are facilitating the return of the now 10-month-old girl to her parents, who are both Lesotho citizens, at Maseru Bridge this afternoon.

This comes after an investigation by the Hawks traced the missing baby and discovered her with the alleged abductor in Welkom.

According to provincial Social Development spokesperson, Sparkle Mokoena, the abductor is in police custody while the baby has been placed in a place of safety in Welkom.

“All reunification processes have been finalised, including positive tests matching the baby with the biological parents. International Social Services have also been notified of this matter since it’s an international case,” she said.