A 22 year old woman in Lusaka has been placed behind bars for ste@ling a three months old baby whom she later claimed was her own but failed to breastfeed her to prove her claim.
Yesterday, Lusaka’s Shantumbu area was the hive of activities as the dispute between who was truly the mother of the child and the thief ensued.
According to authorities, the baby’s biological mother, Inness Siameba, aged 24 went to the market around 16 hours to buy relish, in the company of her husband, Choolwe Mweetwa aged 30.
Around 17:00 hours, while the couple were conducting their shopping, they met Grace Banda, the suspect, who introduced herself as their neighbour, renting a house behind their home.
Banda then offered to help Siameba carry her child since they were going in the same direction – an offer the mother couldn’t refuse
The trio then left the market together and went back home.
And when they reached Siameba’s house, Banda excused herself saying that she needed to go to her house, grab her brazier, so she could ask for some fire.
So she went to her house while carrying Siameba’s baby on her back and disappeared into thin air.
Looking at the time, the child’s mother became distressed and was forced to go to Banda’s house said to be behind her house.
When she went looking, she discovered that Banda was nowhere to be seen, therefore increasing her worries.
She complained to other neighbours, who volunteered to help her find her child and around 20:30 hours, the team of community members found Banda sitting comfortably in her landlord’s house while carrying Siameba’s child whom she dressed in new clothes and claimed was actually her own child.
The child’s mother, and neighbours then demanded Banda to breastfeed the baby, if at all she was truly her baby – a thing she failed to do.
Siameba then retrieved her child after it was confirmed that the baby was indeed hers while Banda was apprehended and taken to Chelstone Police Station where the matter was reported.
Zambia Police Service spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga confirmed the incident adding that a docket of the case was opened, and investigations are underway.
“We wish to commend the public for their cooperation in swiftly locating the suspect and ensuring the safe return of the victim,” said Hamoonga.
“We urge all parents and guardians to exercise caution and remain vigilant, especially in public places.”
