Recovery of kidnapped baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar in Mitchells Plain leads to arrest

A 37-year-old woman was arrested following the recovery of a baby who was kidnapped at Middestad Mall in Bellville on Saturday, police said.

Baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar, now 12 days old, was taken away from her mother on Saturday, June 28.

The mother reported to police that while visiting the shopping centre with her baby, she became nauseous and went to the bathroom, leaving the baby with the suspect. When she returned, both the suspect and the baby were gone.

“Owing to the meticulous investigation and the analytical approach to the information at their disposal, the team pounced on an address in Honolulu Street in Tafelsig on Monday, June 30 where they found the child and in the process detained a 37 year old female for kidnapping,” said Captain Frederick C. van Wyk, provincial police spokesperson.

The Western Cape Missing Persons Unit (WCMPU) previously reported that the baby was taken by a woman known as 'Chivon,' who had approached the mother before the birth, claiming to represent an organisation that supports young mothers with counselling and care packages

Once charged, the suspect is expected to appear at the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on the case of kidnapping.