A 37-year-old woman has been arrested for the alleged kidnapping of a nine-day-old baby in Bellville, Cape Town. The infant was safely recovered and reunited with his mother after a frantic search that lasted several days.
Baby Snatched at Shopping Complex
According to police spokesperson FC van Wyk, the baby’s mother, Imaad Shamar, reported the child missing after he was taken at a local shopping complex over the weekend. The suspect, who had allegedly befriended Shamar under false pretenses, lured the young mother to the mall before disappearing with the newborn.
Shamar recounted the harrowing ordeal, explaining that the suspect had posed as a representative of a community project called the “Zoey Project,” offering support to new mothers. After gaining Shamar’s trust, the woman invited her to a supposed workshop at the mall.
Drugged and Deceived
Shamar said she began feeling ill after drinking a cold drink given to her by the suspect. “I started feeling dizzy, vomited, and when I came out of the bathroom, she was gone with my baby,” she said.
A massive search operation involving multiple police units led investigators to a house in Tafelsig, where the baby was found unharmed.
Emotional Reunion
The infant was returned to his family late last night. Shamar described the moment she was reunited with her son as overwhelming. “I had my own breakdown… I’m just feeling at ease now,” she said, holding her baby close.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon, facing kidnapping charges. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive.
Meanwhile, the family expressed gratitude for the community’s support and the swift police action that brought their baby home.
