Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MORE than six weeks after a three-month-old baby girl was allegedly stolen from her home in Banket, the desperate search for the infant continues, with police saying they are yet to receive any leads that could help reunite the child with her devastated parents.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has renewed its appeal to members of the public for information that could lead to the recovery of the baby, who is now four months old, and the arrest of the suspect.
Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera said investigations into the June 7 abduction were continuing, with detectives pursuing every possible lead despite the absence of fresh information from the public.
“Our team is on the ground and will not stop until the child is found. We have not yet received any leads on the child’s whereabouts, and we are appealing for information from members of the public that may assist us in locating the suspect and reuniting the child with her family,” said Insp Kohwera.
Police said the incident occurred at House Number 753, Magamba Way, Banket, at around 7.30pm.
According to police, the baby’s 22-year-old mother, Ms Lynette Mukono, was approached by an unknown woman who claimed she had seen her husband in the company of another woman at Labana Houses.
Believing the information, Ms Mukono left her three-month-old baby and her three-year-old child asleep at home while she went to verify the claim.
“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.
For the young Banket couple, each passing day has brought fresh anguish as hope of embracing their daughter again remains alive despite the uncertainty surrounding her disappearance.
Ms Mukono said the woman had cleverly gained her confidence by pretending to have 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 tears, Ms Mukono pleaded with anyone who may know where her daughter is to come forward, saying the family’s only wish is to have the baby safely back home.
“I just want my child back. If anyone knows anything, please help us. We miss her every day,” she said.
At the time of her disappearance, the baby was wearing a pink tracksuit, a blue hat, a brown romper and pink socks with heart designs.
Police have urged anyone with information that may assist investigations to report to the nearest police station or contact ZRP Banket immediately.
