Alleged child snatcher appears in Evander Regional Court
Chata was described as a flight risk who can jeopardise the justice interest in the case.
Phindile Chata (40) appeared before the Evander Regional Court on February 22 on charges of stealing a baby.
Chata was arrested two years ago for the alleged kidnapping of a newborn baby.
According to the police report, the suspect introduced herself to the baby’s mother at the local taxi rank on October 28, 2021.
She claimed that she was a social worker who helps young unemployed mothers.
Chata then allegedly sent the baby’s mother to buy herself food at a nearby shop while Chata watched the infant.
When the mother returned from the shop, she found that the suspect had disappeared with her baby.
The mother reported the matter to the police and an investigation was immediately launched.
The police made a breakthrough that led them to a house at Ext 5 in eMbalenhle where they found the abducted baby and the suspect inside the house.
Chata was arrested and appeared in court in connection with the kidnapping.
When applying for bail, Chata denied kidnapping the child. She told the court that she and the mother of the baby, who was still at school, had an agreement.
Chata was described as a flight risk who can jeopardise the case if granted bail. She will reappear again on March 16 for judgement. She is still in custody.
