Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
A 14-year-old girl is in police custody after allegedly kidnapping a two-year-old child in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
The incident triggered an intense search effort after the toddler, Asanda, went missing from a shopping mall in the city. Family members and residents mobilised across social media platforms, sharing images and information in a desperate bid to locate the child.
Three days later, a tip-off led police to a flat in the city, where the toddler was allegedly found in the custody of the teenage suspect. It is alleged the girl wanted to prove to her 36-year-old boyfriend that she had a baby.
The suspect’s mother, Memory Moyo, said she was struggling to come to terms with the allegations.
“My daughter stays with my sister because I do night shifts at work. Her behaviour is really strange, but honestly, I do not believe she did this. I want to apologise to the parents of the little baby,” she said.
Asanda’s mother, Nesisa Mpofu, recounted the moment she realised her child was missing.
“I was serving a customer when my daughter disappeared. When I noticed she was missing, I went to the security department, and that is when I saw someone walking out of the mall carrying her. We are very grateful to be reunited with our baby,” she said.
The child’s father, Ayibongwe Ndlovu, described the emotional toll of the ordeal.
“I was at Nketa when I got a call that our baby was missing. It was the most shocking call I have ever received in my life. When she first told me, I thought she was joking. The pain that we went through was unbearable. I would not wish it on my worst enemy,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant.
“As the ZRP, we encourage parents to never leave children unattended in public places. Maintain physical contact, such as holding hands, in busy areas like malls,” said Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
The 14-year-old suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
