Baby Stolen In Bulawayo After Mom Is Tricked In Elaborate WhatsApp Scam

A mother’s trust in a stranger’s online generosity has turned into a parent’s worst nightmare. Her four-month-old baby was stolen from a family home in Bulawayo after she was lured out by an elaborate WhatsApp scam promising free children’s clothes. Police are now hunting for the kidnapper who used a parenting group to target a vulnerable young mother.

The harrowing incident occurred on December 29 in the New Parklands suburb. According to police, the 26-year-old mother had been communicating for two days with a person who presented herself as a benefactor.

The Elaborate Online Trap

The mother had joined a WhatsApp channel called Idale Labomama (Mothers’ Haven) roughly four months prior. On December 27, she responded to a post inviting those in need of children’s clothing to contact a provided number. Inspector Msebele Nomalanga, the Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, outlined the sequence of events.

“She contacted the number via WhatsApp and communicated with an unknown person who introduced herself as MaNdlovu of Cowdray Park and offered to deliver the clothes to her residence,” said Inspector Msebele.

The suspect then coordinated the delivery for December 29. At around 1PM, the mother was given specific instructions to wait at a street corner a short distance from her home to receive the promised gift.

A Devastating Discovery

In a fateful decision, the mother left one of her four-month-old twins asleep in a bedroom. Her four-year-old daughter was playing outside. She then proceeded to the meeting point with the other twin, expecting a simple handover. After a 15-minute wait, she received a further message stating someone called “Lo” was en route. No one ever arrived.

The reality of the sinister plot became clear when she returned home. Inspector Msebele confirmed the devastating discovery.

“Upon returning home, she discovered that the baby she had left sleeping in the bedroom was missing.”

The baby had vanished. Police were immediately alerted and have launched a full-scale investigation to locate the infant and apprehend the suspect known only as “MaNdlovu.”

A Stark Warning For The Digital Age

Authorities are using this tragic case to issue a severe warning to all parents and caregivers about the dangers of engaging with strangers on social media. The scam exploited both a desire for community and economic need, a tactic police say is increasingly dangerous.

“We appeal to all parents and guardians to avoid oversharing sensitive personal information online, as this exposes them and their children to serious risk,” Inspector Msebele said.

The investigation is ongoing. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward immediately to assist in the safe recovery of the baby.