Baby abducted at Baragwanath Hospital was ‘bought’ for R2.5K, mother alleges

The mother of the baby that was allegedly kidnapped from Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Thursday afternoon last week alleged that the baby was sold for R2,500, TimesLive reports.

The mother, Bikokuhle Hlatshwayo was quoted as saying that the police had informed her that the baby was sold for R2,500.

However, police spokesperson Colonel Lungelo Dlamini told The Citizen that the police cannot comment on this allegation.

Gauteng department of health spokesperson Lesemang Matuka, meanwhile, told The Citizen that the department is aware of the allegation but cannot comment further as the matter is before the court.

The 35-year-old, who was arrested last Friday in connection with the baby’s kidnapping, is expected to appear before the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku said on Friday that an investigation has been launched into the kidnapping. This follows the police finding the baby at a house in Diepkloof, Soweto.

It was reported that the mother said that she woke to discover that her baby was missing. She further stated that a patient on a bed next to her told her that a woman who claimed to be her mother-in-law came around while she was asleep.

Hlatshwayo was quoted as saying that she had been resting following a Caesarian section procedure and was heavily sedated.

She said she later saw someone she does not know leave the hospital with her newborn baby upon viewing CCTV footage.

Hlatshwayo said she was also upset by the fact that the security guard was busy on her cellphone when the alleged kidnapper walked right past with her baby.

It was reported that the family of the baby is considering taking legal action following the traumatic ordeal.

The Citizen reported on Friday that a tip-off led police to a house in Diepkloof, where the baby was found.

(Compiled Makhosandile Zulu)

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