A 37-year-old woman from Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain, is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the kidnapping of a newborn baby from Middestad Mall over the weekend.
The infant was allegedly taken from his 25-year-old mother, Imaan Sharmar, who had been lured to the mall under the pretense of attending a support workshop for young mothers. Speaking to SABC News, Sharmar said the suspect offered her a cold drink en route to the mall, which she suspects may have been drugged.
Upon arrival, Sharmar began to feel unwell and went to the bathroom, leaving her baby with the woman. When she returned, both the suspect and her child were gone. It is believed the woman fled the scene using an e-hailing service.
Following a two-day search, the baby was located and safely returned to his mother.
Patric Solomons, director of child rights organisation Molo Songololo, says the case has hallmarks of possible human trafficking. “The big question is: why do people take babies — especially newborns?” he asked.
“We’ve seen cases where individuals have taken babies to replace one they’ve lost and couldn’t admit to losing. In some instances, it's an attempt to save a relationship or meet societal expectations around motherhood. Unfortunately, there are also darker motives involving trafficking and exploitation,” Solomons added.
Police investigations are ongoing.