Woman Kidnaps One-Week-Old Baby From Mall After Luring Mother to Lunch
A Cape Town family is grappling with anguish and disbelief after their one-week-old baby was abducted from a busy shopping centre.
Baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar Disappears After Lunch Outing
According to the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit (WCMPU), baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar was last seen on Saturday, June 28. The nine-day-old infant had been dressed in a white vest, a white crawler patterned with cars, and wrapped in a blue blanket.
The baby’s mother told authorities she had been approached by a woman known only as “Chivon” during her pregnancy. The woman allegedly claimed to represent an organisation that provided counselling and care packages for young mothers.
After the baby’s birth, “Chivon” invited the mother to Middestad Mall in Bellville for a meal. While there, the mother suddenly fell ill and went to the bathroom. When she returned, both her baby and “Chivon” had vanished.
Police Confirm Kidnapping Investigation Underway
Western Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed the distressing incident to IOL, saying;
“Kindly be advised that the Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is probing the circumstances surrounding the incident as cited in your enquiry,” he said.
He explained that the complainant visited Middestad Mall on Saturday with her nine-day-old baby and left the infant with the woman she was with while she went to the bathroom.
“Upon her return, the person of interest and the baby were missing,” Swartbooi said.
A case of kidnapping has been opened, and investigators are appealing to the public to assist with any leads.
Public Urged to Help Find Baby Shamar
The WCMPU has circulated flyers across social media in hopes someone may recognise the baby or the suspect.
Warrant Officer Swartbooi called on anyone with information to urgently contact the authorities.
“A public appeal is hereby made to anyone with information to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” he said.
Separate Incident: Abandoned Baby Found Alive in Eastern Cape
In a separate and equally disturbing case, Eastern Cape police are searching for the mother of a baby who was found dumped over the weekend.
On Saturday, officers responded to a call and discovered a baby boy estimated to be about four weeks old. The infant was alive and taken to hospital for a medical examination.
Police have opened a case of child neglect as investigations continue.