Toddler abducted in CBD

A TWO-YEAR-OLD toddler, Asanda Ndhlovu, was allegedly abducted at Meikles Mall in Bulawayo’s Central Business District on Tuesday at around 9AM, leaving her family devastated and the community in shock.

Confirming the incident, Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the toddler, who was wearing a pink jersey and a pair of blue jean trousers without shoes, was with her mother serving customers at 10.30AM, when the incident occurred.

“After about 20 minutes the complainant then checked her child and failed to locate her. The complainant asked her workmates and no one saw the child. She then checked at the mall CCTV office.

“The security officer played the CCTV and complainant noticed an unknown man who was wearing a brown hoodie jacket and blue work suit trousers lifting the child and going out of the Mall. The man’s face was not visible,” said Inspector Msebele.

According to relatives, the mother was serving a customer when the child suddenly disappeared. An aunt to the missing child spoke on behalf of the mother, who was too shaken and traumatised to speak.

“The mother was attending to a customer, and when she turned back, the child was no longer there,” said the aunt.

“She immediately started asking around at neighbouring stalls, hoping that someone had seen her, but no one could give a clear answer. Panic quickly set in.”

The aunt said the family then approached the mall security and requested access to the CCTV footage.

“The security guard assisted us, and when we reviewed the footage, we saw the child being taken away. That moment was heart breaking. The mother broke down completely and could not speak after that,” she said.

The child’s grandfather, Bhekekhaya Hadebe, described the incident as a painful tragedy.
“It is devastating to lose a child in such circumstances. We are appealing to anyone who might have information to help us find our granddaughter,” he said.

A message circulating on social media has appealed to members of the public to assist in locating the missing child, who was last seen wearing a pink jersey and a pair of blue jean trousers.

The family has appealed to the public, shop owners and anyone who may have been in the area at the time to come forward with any information that may help locate the child.