SEBOKENG -A mother has been reunited with her infant following a swift and coordinated response by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) in Sebokeng. Acting on crucial tip-offs, the FCS team successfully tracked down the suspect and safely returned the baby to its mother.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane, the abduction occurred on August 29 while the mother was running errands in Evaton.  During her outing, she encountered an African woman who appeared to be pregnant and introduced herself as Nthabiseng from the Orange Farm area.

“The two women struck up a conversation about disposable nappies, during which the suspect offered to accompany the mother to Sebokeng,” said Mokhachane.

Upon arriving in Sebokeng, the mother, still carrying her infant, visited the Department of Home Affairs and several stores at the Thabong Shopping Centre, accompanied by the suspect. At their final stop, the suspect offered to hold the baby. Moments later, the woman vanished from the store with the infant.

“After searching the premises with no success, the mother suspected that the woman had exited through another door,” Mokhachane added.

The FCS unit immediately launched an investigation, which led to the suspect’s arrest and the successful recovery of the infant. The suspect has since appeared before the Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court. The investigation is ongoing.

Acting Station Commander Colonel Chrizelda Pienaar commended the dedicated efforts of the FCS Unit and thanked community members for their vigilance and cooperation.
“We remain committed to ensuring justice and the safety of our children. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the public for their ongoing support in helping the police do their work,” she said.

Police urge the community to participate in local community patrol structures and remain vigilant.