TWO women have been arrested after allegedly stealing a newborn baby from her mother in May and the police are asking for urgent community assistance to hunt for a third alleged suspect and the baby.
Pretty Shabangu (43) and Hlalisile Mbambo, also known as ‘maMbhele’ of Ntambanana, were arrested after allegedly pretending to help the mother with employment and registration of the birth at Empangeni Home Affairs, but instead allegedly conspired to steal the infant.
The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offence Unit is now urging the community to assist in finding Zamokuhle Bekezela also known as maDlamini Dlamini, who may know the whereabouts of the baby.
Bekezela is about 45-years-old and possibly resides at the Mzingazi area, Richards Bay or Mbazwana area.
The ploy
The mother, of Nhlangenyuke area outside Mtunzini, was nine months pregnant when she was allegedly approached by Shabangu about an employment opportunity with a social worker.
On 15 May, the baby was born at Vulindlela Clinic and on her way home, the mother was again approached by Shabangu who said the social worker is waiting for her and that she may bring the baby along.
Shabangu phoned a woman, who arrived and introduced herself as ‘social worker’ maDlamini Dlamini, accompanied by another woman.
The mother said she had to get permission from the baby’s grandmother and they proceeded to Nhlangenyuke, but the grandmother refused.
On 18 May, Shabangu allegedly phoned the mother again and said she would assist to register the baby at Empangeni Home Affairs, where they were again joined by maDlamini and another.
Using the long queue as an excuse, the group left Home Affairs to buy the baby some clothes and thereafter stopped at Nandos, where maDlamini allegedly gave the mother R100 and took the baby, saying they would meet her at her ‘work’ later, which never happened.
A case was opened at Mtunzini on 21 May and Shabangu (43) and Mbambo have since appeared at Mtunzini Magistrate’s Court.
They have been released on bail.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Bekezela, must contact Investigating Officer Detective Cst Nongcebo Shandu on 072 8403520 or Detective Lt Col Makhosi Ncube on 082 5570465 or 035 9019600.
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