14-Year-Old Girl Behind Toddler’s Abduction In Bulawayo

Police in Bulawayo have confirmed that the suspect accused of abducting a two-year-old toddler at a local shopping centre is a 14-year-old girl.

The child was taken from Meikles Mall on Tuesday and was found on Thursday at a block of flats along Herbert Chitepo Street and 3rd Avenue, following a tip-off from a vigilant member of the public.

The toddler’s mother, Nesisa Mpofu, clarified that the alleged kidnapper was female, contrary to widespread rumours suggesting it was a man.

Mpofu, who works as a shopkeeper at the mall, said she briefly lost sight of her daughter while serving a customer and soon realised she was missing.

The breakthrough came on Thursday morning when someone reported seeing a child matching Asanda’s description at a city flat.

Police moved in and found the toddler, who was reportedly unharmed. She was later reunited with her mother.

Mpofu said the suspect had approached her under the pretence of making casual business enquiries before taking the opportunity to leave with the child.

She dismissed social media claims that the abductor was male, saying CCTV footage clearly shows the suspect was a girl.

Mpofu said she could hardly believe it when she was told her daughter had been found, two days after she went missing. She said:

“I couldn’t believe it when they told me my child had been found. I thought perhaps they had made a mistake.

“I was overjoyed to see that it was truly her because I had begun to lose hope after two days without my daughter.

“I want to thank the police for finding my child. I also want to thank the people of Zimbabwe for your prayers and assistance.

“My daughter was found in good health, and there is nothing wrong with her.”

More: Chronicle