By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of 16-year-old girl employed as a maid from Zvishavane for kidnapping her employer’s eight-month-old baby.
ZRP Midlands provincial spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrest saying the suspect, identified as Evidence Hove, was from Village 15 Mushandike Resettlement Scheme, Masvingo.
“A 16-year-old housemaid employed in Zvishavane has been arrested for kidnapping her employer’s eight-month-old baby and stealing from her,” said Inspector Mahoko
According to Inspector Mahoko, Hove had been hired as a domestic maid by Memory Sibanda, who left her to care for four children aged 14, 12, 8 years, and 8 months while she went out.
“The following morning on 10 April 2023, she was left taking care of four children aged 14, 12, 8 years and the youngest aged 8 months, while the employer went away,” he said
Soon after the employer left, Hove stole US$60 and disappeared with the eight-month-old baby, Junior Marenga, leaving the other three children behind.
When Sibanda returned, she was informed of what had happened and reported the incident to ZRP Zvishavane.
On 12 April at around 10 AM, police arrested Hove with the baby in her custody at Village 7 Sovelele in Sandawana.
The victim was taken to Zvishavane District Hospital for examinations.
Inspector Mahoko urged the public to employ housemaids who have traceable records and have them vetted by police before employing them.
He also warned parents and guardians not to entrust their children to strangers
