GAUTENG – The 11-days-old baby that was kidnapped at Lakeside Mall in Benoni on Saturday, 22 February 2020, was yesterday found by the police in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni.

Koketso Mphenemene was allegedly taken from her mother at Lakeside Mall Benoni by a 31-year-old suspect who called herself Katlego, after she promised the mother to find her a job.

The case was opened at Benoni and assigned to a detective from Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS).

The dedication and thorough search by the investigating officer paid off when the child was found alive and healthy.

The investigation led the police to a house in Emaphuphweni Section in Etwatwa where the child was found with the man who is alleged to be the spouse of the suspect. Belongings of the mother that were taken during kidnapping, were also found.

The child was positively identified by the biological mother.

The suspect’s husband was taken for questioning and later released and the baby was given to her mother after medical examination. The search for the suspect who was not in the house when the child was found is still underway. Police are appealing to anyone who might have information on her whereabouts to please contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Mfolo on 082 822 7985 or call 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service