Police have intensified their investigations into two recent criminal events involving babies. In the first incident a baby boy was recently stolen in Mokopane. The latest incident is that of a baby found in the ablution facility of a CBD fast food outlet on the weekend having allegedly been abandoned by its mother.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe gave the insurance that Police are working around the clock to trace the suspects in both incidents and that all information and leads are being thoroughly followed up.
Regarding the latest incident Ngoepe reiterated Police have launched a massive manhunt for the mother who seemingly abandoned her baby, only a few days old, at the fast food outlet.
It is alleged that at around 13:00 on Saturday a customer at the outlet went to the washroom and found the baby on the floor wrapped in a blanket. She instantly alerted employees of the outlet who subsequently summoned the Police, according to Ngoepe.
He added that Police immediately took the baby to a local hospital where he is still recuperating.
A case of child neglect was opened while the search for the mother continues.
Anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspect can contact investigating officer Martin Thema on 082 451 7155 or report to the nearest Police station.
This matter follows an incident at a shopping centre in Mokopane last Thursday when a stranger who allegedly befriended the mother (24) before stealing her
six-month-old baby.
Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Jan Scheepers has established a high level task team to strengthen their efforts in the search for a six-month-old baby and a woman in her twenties who allegedly disappeared from a shopping mall in Mokopane.
Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner responsible for crime detection Samuel Manala is leading the process to trace the suspect and the stolen baby.
Ngoepe indicated that the female suspect allegedly approached the mother who had her baby with her and was doing some shopping at the time. She then set out to accompany the mother as she continued to shop. The mother also bought food and invited the stranger to join her but she turned down the offer and opted to hold the baby instead.
Ngoepe reiterated that after the mother was done eating they walked to another shopping centre with the stranger still carrying the baby. Without the mother noticing the suspect somehow disappeared with the infant.
Anyone with information can contact investigating officer Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or report to the nearest Police station.
Story: RC Myburgh
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