A 14-month-old missing baby was reunited with his parents thanks to the diligence of an Amanzimtoti resident.
Laura Hampton of Doonside runs the ‘Amanzimtoti neighbours take back the neighbourhood’ Facebook page where she shares crime-related news.
On Thursday morning, 27 October Laura saw a post on social media about Siya Mlambo, who was abducted on Tuesday after his mother, Mandisa, was followed home by two men.
They allegedly forced their way into her home in Protea Glen in the south of Johannesburg and demanded money from her and the baby’s nanny.
The men took the mother’s bank card, forced the nanny into a vehicle and drove to an ATM to withdraw money.
When they returned to the house, they tied up the mother and nanny, abducted the baby, took cellphones clothes and other items and fled.
“When I saw another post on the Alert South Africa Facebook page about a baby found in Osizweni near Newcastle, I thought he looked familiar and I posted it on my friend Des Moodley’s page, as he has many contacts in the SAPS,” said Laura.
Des contacted the investigating officers and the baby was reunited with his family.
“We often see negative posts, but this just makes me smile,” posted Des on Laura’s page. “Let us please celebrate this unsung heroine, Laura Ruth Hampton. I salute you and your good work.”
Young Siya was found in the company of a caregiver and a Sangoma and this saga may not have had such a happy ending if it wasn’t for Laura’s intervention.
“Thankfully he was found. I worry about what could have happened to him had he not been,” said Toti’s heroine, who has been nominated for an award for her good work by Des.
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