Two female Zimbabwean nationals appeared in court on charges of child abduction and contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
Grace Gumbo (26) and Mercy Tsoko (28) appeared in the Kriel Magistrate’s Court for the second time on Wednesday. This is in connection with a case which was previously reported about a four-month-old baby girl who was abducted at Thubelihle in Kriel on Thursday, December 28, 2023.
They were arrested on Monday 1 January, 2024 when it was also discovered that the duo had abducted three children in total.
READ|Family searching for kidnapped and assaulted son after alleged burglary
“Police got a tip-off from community members about the two women who were pretending to be care givers that were roaming around Ogies with three babies. The police in Kriel swiftly responded to the information then managed to arrest the two female suspects and reportedly found them with three children, two girls and a boy,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
During their first court appearance on Tuesday this week, the matter was postponed for further investigation. They were remanded in custody.
READ|Godrich Gardee’s daughter reported missing
Police urge members of the community to assist in locating the families of the two other children, one from Marble Hall and the other from Springs to contact Kriel SAPS on 082 798 0723 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
