Chiredzi Woman Jailed for Kidnapping a 7 Day Old Baby

Posted by admin on 2024-09-06 09:49:00 |

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By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA 

In a shocking incident, a 35-year-old woman, Prosperity Hobyani, has been sentenced to 3 years in prison for kidnapping a 7-day-old baby in Chiredzi.

According to a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the incident occurred on September 2, 2024, when Hobyani met the baby's mother, who had just vaccinated her child at Chiredzi General Hospital. 

The two walked together to Nyorenyore Business Centre, where the mother was looking for transport to take her back home to Mkwasine.

In a clever move, Hobyani persuaded the mother to buy her a drink from a nearby shop. The mother left her baby with Hobyani while she went into the shop, but when she returned, Hobyani was nowhere to be found, and the baby was missing.

The distraught mother immediately reported the incident to the police, who launched a search operation. Fortunately, the baby was found 12 hours later at Hobyani's residence in Chipimbi.

Hobyani pleaded guilty to the kidnapping charges and was sentenced to 4 years in prison, with 1 year suspended. This means she will serve an effective 3 years behind bars.

The incident serves as a stark reminder for parents and caregivers to be vigilant and cautious when interacting with strangers, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of their children.