A Bulawayo mother who believed she was receiving assistance from “good Samaritans” on a WhatsApp group was left devastated after her four-month-old baby was kidnapped. The mother had followed instructions from a bogus donor who lured her away from her home.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, saying investigations are underway and a manhunt has been launched to bring the culprits to justice.
“Police are investigating a case of kidnapping involving a four-month-old female juvenile which occurred in New Parklands, Bulawayo,” said Inspector Msebele.
She explained that on 27 December 2025, the 26-year-old mother from New Parklands saw a message on a WhatsApp channel called Idale Labomama, which she had joined four months earlier. The message claimed that people in need of children’s clothing should contact a provided number.
The mother contacted the number via WhatsApp and communicated with an unknown person who introduced herself only as MaNdlovu of Cowdray Park. The suspect offered to deliver the clothes to the mother’s residence, and the mother gave her directions.
“On 29 December 2025 at around 0600 hours, the suspect sent a message informing the complainant that she would deliver the clothes that same day,” Inspector Msebele said.
“At around 1300 hours, the suspect instructed the complainant to wait at the corner of Harare Road and Cecil Avenue in Parklands, Bulawayo, to collect the clothes.”
The mother reportedly took one of her four-month-old twins with her, leaving the other twin asleep in the bedroom, while her four-year-old daughter was playing outside the house. She then proceeded to the meeting point.
“She waited for about 15 minutes and later received a message from the suspect stating that she had sent someone known only as Lo. That person never arrived, and the complainant later returned home,” said Inspector Msebele.
Upon her return, the mother discovered that her baby was missing and immediately reported the matter to the police.
“We appeal to members of the public who may have information leading to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the baby to report to the nearest police station,” Inspector Msebele said.
She also urged mothers and caregivers to exercise extreme caution when dealing with strangers on social media and to avoid sharing sensitive personal information, warning that such actions could put them and their children at risk.
