Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MORE than six weeks after a three-month-old baby girl was allegedly abducted from her home in Banket, police say they are still without any leads that could help trace the child, prompting a renewed appeal to the public for information that could reunite the infant with her family.
The baby, who has since turned four months old, disappeared on June 7, and detectives say investigations remain active despite the absence of fresh information.
Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera said officers were continuing to pursue every possible lead and remained committed to recovering the child.
“Our team is on the ground and will not stop until the child is found. We have not yet gotten any leads on the child’s whereabouts, and we are appealing for information from the public that may assist us in locating the suspect and reuniting the child with her family,” said Insp Kohwera.
According to police, the alleged abduction occurred at around 7.30pm at House Number 753, Magamba Way in Banket.
Investigators said the child’s 22-year-old mother, Ms Lynette Mukono, was approached by an unidentified woman who claimed to have seen her husband in the company of another woman at Labana Houses.
Believing the claim, Ms Mukono left her three-month-old baby and her three-year-old child asleep at home while she went to verify the information.
“When she failed to locate him at the alleged house, she proceeded to his workplace where she found him knocking off duty. They returned home together and discovered that the three-month-old child was missing. They searched the surrounding area with the assistance of neighbours before reporting the matter to ZRP Banket,” said Insp Kohwera.
Speaking in an interview with Zimpapers’ Platinum FM, Ms Mukono said the unidentified woman had gained her trust by claiming she had been sent by her mother.
“She said she had been directed by my mother to come to my house. She even called my father by his nickname, which makes me believe she is someone from around here,” she said.
Fighting back emotion, Ms Mukono appealed to anyone with information about her daughter’s whereabouts to come forward.
“I just want my child back. If anyone knows anything, please help us. We miss her every day,” she said.
Police said the infant was wearing a pink tracksuit, a blue hat, a brown romper and pink socks with heart designs when she disappeared.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations is urged to report to the nearest police station or contact ZRP Banket immediately.
