22-year-old woman arrested for alleged theft of three-month—old baby

Police in Lusaka have arrested a 22-year-old woman, Grace Banda, for allegedly stealing a three-month-old baby boy from his mother, Inness Siameba, aged 24, of the Shantumbu area.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

According to Hamoonga, the incident occurred on November 26 while Siameba and her husband were on their way to the local market.

Banda reportedly approached the couple, introduced herself as their neighbour, and offered to carry the baby, claiming she was heading in the same direction.

“Upon arriving at the complainant’s residence, the suspect excused herself, saying she needed to fetch her brazier to borrow fire,” Hamoonga explained.

When Banda failed to return after some time, Siameba went to check the suspect’s purported house but found no trace of her or the baby. Alarmed, the mother alerted members of the public, and a search was launched.

“At approximately 20:30 hours, the suspect was found in her landlord’s house holding the baby, who was dressed in new clothes,” Hamoonga said.

When questioned, Banda claimed the baby was hers.

Siameba, however, demanded proof and asked Banda to breastfeed the child. The suspect failed to do so, prompting Siameba to breastfeed the baby herself, thereby confirming his identity.

The suspect was apprehended by members of the public and handed over to the police.

“A docket has been opened, and investigations are ongoing,” Hamoonga stated, while urging the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas.

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