By Simbarashe Sithole
A 26-year-old Mvurwi woman has been arrested for allegedly stealing a four-month-old baby after taking advantage of the infant’s mother’s predicament while she was trying to replace a lost mobile phone line.
Wadzanai Musiyakurima of Holland Farm allegedly stole the baby on November 4 after the mother, Salmah Tunha (25), of Mbare Flats, lost her mobile phone.
The two reportedly went to an Econet shop in Mvurwi to have Tunha’s lost line blocked.
However, they were advised to first obtain a police report before the line could be blocked.
Tunha then asked Musiyakurima to remain behind with the baby while she went to file a report at the police station.
But while the unsuspecting mother was attending to the matter, Musiyakurima allegedly disappeared with the infant.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case, saying police received a tip-off on November 9 which led to the suspect’s arrest.
Police urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with strangers and avoid entrusting their children to people they barely know.
The incident has once again highlighted the need for parents and guardians to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect children from suspected abductions.