adminEmily Mbewe Court Reporter
AN 18-year-old woman allegedly kidnapped a six month old baby after posing as a customer who wanted to buy clothes at a flea market stand operated by the baby’s mother. Bulawayo magistrate, Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze heard this when Michelle Marole appeared before her on Wednesday facing a kidnapping charge. Marole pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to May 28.
She told the court that she was only being friendly with the baby as she wanted to play with it.
“Your worship, l was assaulted and forced to admit that l had kidnapped the baby when l did not do it. I only played with the baby and carried her before we went to wait for my friend who was buying some goods at OK supermarket,” said Marole.
Msipa-Marondedze did not buy the story and instead ordered that Marole be taken to remand prison.
She advised the teenager to apply for bail at the High court.
“Do you think it’s sensible to go around taking people’s babies and going with them without their parents’ permission? You don’t even know the mother of this little baby.
“If only she was your friend it was going to be understandable. Since you’re of no fixed abode you will spend the next two weeks at Mlondolozi. You can apply for bail at the High court,” said Msipa–Marondedze.
Prosecuting, Nkathazo Dlodlo told the court that last Saturday at around 5PM, Fungai Khanye was at her flea market stand at Egodini when Marole approached her pretending she wanted to buy some clothes.
Dlodlo told the court that Marole told Khanye that she was waiting for her friend who had her money.
“Marole started playing with the six month old baby before slowly walking away with her heading towards OK Supermarket,” said Dlodlo.
The court heard that Khanye then tried to locate her without success.
Dlodlo told the court that Marole was confronted by Khanye’s friend near Tredgold Building who then took the baby back to its mother.
“Marole was then arrested and taken to central police station,” said Dlodlo.
Online Reporter