A 35-year-old woman from Chiredzi has been sentenced to 3 years in prison for kidnapping a 7-day-old baby from its mother at Nyorenyore Business Centre in Chiredzi.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the sentencing in a statement on X, detailing the events that led to the arrest of Prosperity Hobyani.
On the 2nd of September 2024, Hobyani met the baby’s mother, who was returning home from vaccinating her newborn at Chiredzi General Hospital. The two women walked together to Nyorenyore Business Centre, where the mother intended to find transport back home in Mkwasine.
Hobyani persuaded the mother to buy her a drink from one of the shops, and the mother, trusting Hobyani, left her baby in her care while she went into the shop. However, when the mother returned, Hobyani had vanished with the baby.
The distraught mother immediately reported the matter to the police, who launched a search for the missing child. Twelve hours later, the baby was found at Hobyani’s place of residence in Chipimbi.
Hobyani was arraigned before the Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court facing kidnapping charges. She admitted to the crime and was subsequently sentenced to 4 years in prison, with 1 year of the sentence suspended. This means she will serve a total of 3 years behind bars.
In its statement, the NPAZ commended the police for their swift action in locating the baby and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
