MPUMALANGA police have finally located, through investigation, a child who was reportedly kidnapped and never seen for over 20 years.
Provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela said on 23 March 2001, a 16-year-old gave birth to a baby girl, and both were later discharged from Ermelo Provincial Hospital.
“While on their way home to Breyten with the baby’s aunt, they met a woman who offered to assist by holding the baby. Her mum was experiencing some pains and dizziness while the aunt had gone to a nearby shop.
“After a while, the said woman reportedly took the baby, promised to return and went towards the direction where the aunt had headed to. The aunt returned, but the woman never did. After searching for her and the baby for a while, their attempts were futile,” said Manamela.
She added that the incident was reported to the police at Ermelo, where a case of child abduction was opened.
“Police started searching, but no information came forth until 29 November 2021, when investigators got some leads into their investigation. Police conducted forensic tests, and DNA results turned out to be a breakthrough into the case. A 50-year-old woman was arrested and charged accordingly as she is alleged to have been the one behind the incident,” she said.
Manamela said the suspect appeared in the Ermelo Magistrates Court on 30 November, where she was granted bail of R1 000. The case was postponed to 18 January.
“We’re taking this opportunity to urge parents to never trust strangers, especially when it comes to their children, regardless of how genuine people appear to be.”
– Daily Sun
