Police launch manhunt after newborn baby stolen
MWANZA: POLICE in Mwanza Region have launched a manhunt for a woman suspected of stealing a one- day-old baby in Buzuruga Ward, Ilemela Municipality.
Speaking to Journalists in Mwanza City recently, Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mr Wilbrod Mutafungwa said the incident occurred on February 7 this year at around 10:00 pm in Buzuruga.
He said that on February 6th this year at about 6:00 pm, a woman identified as Nice Renatus (24), a resident of Nyasaka–Msumbiji Street, went to Buzuruga Health Centre to give birth.
She safely delivered a baby girl and was admitted for observation and rest in Room No. 4 at the facility.
While at the health centre, an unidentified woman estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old approached her and introduced herself as the wife of her uncle, claiming she had come to visit her.
“She provided her with various forms of assistance, including giving her tea,” the RPC said.
On February 7th at around 5:00 pm, Nice Renatus and her one-day-old baby were discharged after her condition improved. As she was leaving the facility, the same woman offered to help carry the baby on the way home.
“While on the way, she led her through narrow paths to a house she claimed was hers. She walked around the house pretending to look for keys so they could enter and then disappeared with the baby to an unknown place,” Mr Mutafungwa explained.
The baby’s mother remained outside the house until she became suspicious.
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The legitimate owners of the house later intervened and it was established that she had been robbed of her one-day-old baby. The matter was then reported to the police.
“The Mwanza Regional Police Force is conducting thorough investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and to arrest the woman responsible for the theft,” he said.
He urged residents, particularly women, to exercise caution and avoid trusting strangers or handing over their children to people they do not know.
“Anyone with information that may assist in the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the baby is urged to report to any police station for further action,” he said.
