How cops tracked baby Mogamat’s kidnapper

"I cannot express it but I am overjoyed. I am at ease."

These were the words of Imaan Sharmar, 25, who was reunited with her 12-day-old son, baby Mogamat Imaad Sharmar, after he was rescued from the clutches of his alleged kidnapper on Monday in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain. 

Police have confirmed the arrest of a 37-year-old woman. 

At their home in Strandfontein on Tuesday, the family could not stop cuddling the little boy as relief filled the air. 

Sharmar, 25, said she could not stop holding her second-born, and gazing into his eyes. 

Sharmar also confirmed her son was dressed in the same vest she put on for him on Saturday, but the other clothing must have been new clothing that the woman bought for him. 

The little boy's sister, Inarah, was also happy to see her brother. 

Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, confirmed the safe recovery of the baby on Monday. 

He said a multidisciplinary crime combating team, comprising the Provincial Organised Crime: Anti-Kidnapping Investigation, Crime Intelligence, Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, worked tirelessly since a case of kidnapping was registered with Bellville SAPS on Saturday.

“Owing to the meticulous investigation and the analytical approach to the information at their disposal, the team pounced on an address in Honolulu Street in Tafelsig on Monday, where they found the child and in the process detained a 37-year-old female for kidnapping,” Van Wyk said. 

The mother and alleged kidnapper were out for a meal at the Middestad Mall in Bellville when the incident took place. 

“The mother and the baby were at a local shopping complex in Bellville when she became nauseous. She left the child in the care of a woman who was with her when she went to the bathroom. Upon her return, the mother was unable to locate the woman and her baby. She reported the incident to Bellville SAPS for further investigation,” van Wyk said. 

According to information, the woman had approached the mother prior to her giving birth, and she claimed to be working for an organisation that assisted young mothers with counselling and care packages.

Police said the accused is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court. Investigations continue.

Meanwhile, as the school holidays get underway, community-based organisation Ilitha Labantu has urged parents and caregivers to remain vigilant following two separate incidents involving missing children in Cape Town.

The minors, a six-year-old girl from Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East and an eleven-year-old girl from Delft, were both found safe after going missing over the weekend.

Ilitha Labantu said the cases highlight persistent concerns around child safety and supervision, particularly during school holiday periods.

In the first case, a six-year-old girl was last seen playing with friends around 4pm on Saturday. Her mother said she was found on Tuesday morning by a woman living in Lower Crossroads.

In a separate incident, an 11-year-old girl who had gone to visit her father in Roosendal was also reported missing.

“She visited her father on Sunday and left the house around 3pm. We didn’t know that she left him, we thought she was sleeping over there, and when her father called and asked for her, we were shocked,” her mother explained.

“We started looking for her the whole night, and only on Tuesday morning, her aunt said she had her with her.”

Monakali said according to Missing Children South Africa, an average of 1697 children are reported missing every year, underscoring the urgent need for consistent and proactive measures to safeguard their well-being.

He added that parents, caregivers, and community members bear a shared responsibility to monitor children’s movements and to communicate clearly with one another, especially when children are in the care of relatives or trusted adults.

“It is essential that this information is shared promptly with their primary caregivers to avoid unnecessary distress and confusion,” Monakali said.

“Children must be taught never to leave with anyone without explicit permission, and any instances of a child going missing must be reported to the South African Police Service without delay. There is no waiting period to report a missing person, and prompt action can be critical in ensuring a safe outcome.”

He further warned that many township communities in Cape Town, such as Delft and Marikana, are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of public amenities, recreational facilities, and safe spaces for children.

“This disparity contributes to increased vulnerability and fewer opportunities for children to engage in positive, structured activities during school holidays,” he said.

Cape Times