Chilenje police yesterday November 26, 2024 apprehended a 22-year-old woman for stealing a three month old male child.
The incident occurred on November 25, 2024, at approximately 17:00 hours in Shantumbu area.
Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga told RCV News in a statement today that on November 25, 2024, the suspect identified as Grace Banda of Shantumbu area, introduced herself as a neighbor to the victim’s mother Inness Siameba, aged 24, who was accompanied by her husband Choolwe Mweetwa, while at the market purchasing relish.
Mr. Hamoonga said the suspect offered to help carry the baby, claiming they were heading in the same direction.
He said upon arriving at the complainant’s residence, the suspect excused herself, stating that she needed to fetch her brazier to borrow fire.
Mr. Hamoonga added that after some time had passed without her return, the complainant went to check the suspect’s purported house, located behind her own but was not found.
“Concerned, the complainant alerted members of the public, and a search was initiated,” said Mr. Hamoonga.
He said at around 20:30 hours, the suspect was found in her landlord’s house, holding the victim who was dressed in new clothes and when questioned, the suspect claimed the baby was hers.
Mr. Hamoonga said the complainant demanded that the suspect prove her claim by breastfeeding the child, which she failed to do before the complainant retrieved her baby and successfully breastfed him, confirming his identity.
The suspect was apprehended, and a docket of the case has been opened, and investigations are underway.
By Margaret Mwanza
