By Itai Mazire
A Bulawayo mother who thought she was receiving help from “good Samaritans” on a WhatsApp group was deceived and left devastated after her four‑month‑old baby was kidnapped when she followed instructions from a bogus donor who lured her out of her home.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the tragic development saying a hunt has since been launched to bring the culprits to book.
“Police is investigating a case of kidnapping of a four‑month‑old female juvenile, which occurred in New Parklands, Bulawayo.
“On the 27 December 2025, the mother of the juvenile, a female adult aged 26 years of New Parklands, Bulawayo, saw a chat on a WhatsApp channel called Idale labomama which she had joined four months ago purporting that those who needed assistance with clothing for children must contact the supplied number,” said Inspector Msebele.
She said the mother contacted the number through WhatsApp platform and chatted with the unknown accused person who introduced herself only as MaNdlovu of Cowdray Park who offered to bring the clothes to her residence. “She gave her directions to her place of residence.
“On the 29 December 2025 at about 0600 hours, the unknown accused person sent a message informing her that she would bring the clothes on the same day.
“At around 1300 hours, the accused person sent a message informing her to wait at the corner of Harare Road and Cecil Avenue, Parklands, Bulawayo to collect the clothes.
“She took her baby aged 4 months who is a twin with the victim, left behind the victim sleeping in her bedroom, her daughter aged 4 years who was playing outside the house and proceeded to the corner of Harare Road and Cecil Avenue to meet the accused.
“She waited for about 15 minutes and received a message from the accused person to the effect that she had sent someone only known as Lo who never came until she went back home,” said Inspector Msebele. She said upon arrival at home the mother discovered that her female juvenile was missing. A police report was then made.
“We appeal to members of the public with the information which may lead to the arrest of the accused person and location of the baby to come forward and report at any nearest police station.
“We also appeal to all mothers and caregivers to be extremely cautious when dealing with strangers they meet on social media, avoid oversharing of sensitive information as this will put them and their children at risk.”
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