A 44-year-old female suspect was arrested on Thursday, 14 September 2023, for alleged perjury and child stealing of her 20-day-old grandchild.The incident took place at Tshidaulu, Mbilwi village under Thohoyandou Policing precinct in the Vhembe District.
According to Police report, on Tuesday 12 September 2023 the suspect went to sleep with her 16-year-old daughter and other children who share the same room.
The daughter was sleeping with her 20-day-old baby on another bed whilst the suspect slept on the separate bed. The next day on Wednesday, 13 September 2023 at about 05:00, the teenager woke up to prepared herself to go and attend classes at a local school when she discovered that her daughter was missing.
A search for the infant was conducted 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 commenced with the investigations and the grandmother of the child was contacted on her cellphone.
She misled Police by implying that she was at her working place in Levubu.
Police investigations continued until 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 the house without any injuries and taken to Trauma Centre for safekeeping. The grandmother was interviewed about the matter and she cooperated with Police 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 reunited with her mother.
The motive of this shocking incident is unknown at this stage but Police’ investigations are currently ongoing.
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 Magistrate court on Monday 18 September 2023.
Police investigations are continuing.
