A 44-year-old grandmother was arrested and charged with child stealing. The woman allegedly stole her 20- day-old grandchild and and opened a missing person case. The grandmother was arrested on Thursday in Tshidaulu, Mbilwi village outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo.

WAKING UP TO HER BABY GONE

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the police learned that on Tuesday, the suspect went to sleep with her 16- year- old daughter who is the mother of the infant. Ledwaba added that although they share the same room, they sleep on separate beds. "The daughter was sleeping with her newborm whilst the suspect slept on a separate bed. The next day on Wednesday, 13 September 2023 at about 05:00, the teenager woke up to prepare herself to go to school when she discovered that her daughter was missing,"said Ledwaba.

SEARCH FOR THE BABY

He said a search for the infant ensued but she was not found and a missing person case was immediately reported at Thohoyandou Police’ Station by the grandmother on behalf of her minor daughter. "Police started with their investigations and contacted the gogo of the missing infant on her phone," he said. Ledwaba said the gogo misled the Police by implying that she was at her working place in Levubu. "However, it was discovered that the grandmother was not at her workplace but was seen walking with a paper bag which she concealed at an unknown house at Tshidaulu, Mbilwi village.Another search was conducted in the area with assistance of the Makhado K9 unit Dog and the baby was later found abandoned in a house without any injuries and taken to Trauma Centre for safekeeping."

CONFESSION

The grandmother was interviewed by the police regarding the matter and she cooperated and confirmed that she stole the baby and reported a false case of a missing person. "The 44-year-old woman was immediately placed under arrest for perjury and child stealing of her granddaughter. The baby was later reunited with her mother. The motive of this shocking incident is unknown at this stage stage police’ investigations are currently ongoing," added Ledwaba. The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the Investigation Team for their vigilance and persistent investigation that led to the uncovering of the truth surrounding the disappearance of the baby.The suspect is expected to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrates Court on Monday 18 September 2023.