Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
BULAWAYO – Police in Bulawayo have launched a frantic search for a kidnapped four-month-old infant, following a chilling incident where the child’s mother was lured from her home by a suspect posing as a benefactor on social media.
The abduction occurred on December 29 in the New Parklands suburb after the 26-year-old mother responded to an offer of free children’s clothing on a WhatsApp group called Idale Labomama.
According to Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Msebele Nomalanga, the mother made contact with an unknown person using the alias “MaNdlovu” on December 27.
“She contacted the number via WhatsApp and communicated with an unknown person who introduced herself as MaNdlovu of Cowdray Park and offered to deliver the clothes to her residence,” Inspector Msebele stated.
The plot unfolded on the morning of December 29 when the suspect instructed the mother to meet at the corner of Harare Road and Cecil Avenue, a short distance from her home, to collect the promised items. Leaving one of her four-month-old twins asleep inside the house and a four-year-old daughter playing outside, the mother proceeded to the rendezvous point with the other twin.
After a 15-minute wait, she received a message that someone called “Lo” was en route with the delivery.
No one ever arrived.
“Upon returning home, she discovered that the baby she had left sleeping in the bedroom was missing,” Inspector Msebele confirmed.
The mother immediately alerted the police, who have since launched a province-wide investigation.
Authorities are now issuing urgent warnings to the public about the dangers of online interactions.
“We appeal to all parents and guardians to avoid oversharing sensitive personal information online, as this exposes them and their children to serious risk,” Inspector Msebele emphasized, urging extreme caution when dealing with strangers on social platforms.
A manhunt is underway for the suspect, and police are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest or the safe recovery of the infant to report to their nearest police station immediately.
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