A four-month-old baby was kidnapped when five men hijacked the Isuzu bakkie in Lingelethu West on Saturday.
Also read: DNA update expected Monday in Joshlin Smith kidnapping case
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the incident occurred around 3pm in Niyakrili Street, Ilitha Park. The child’s father was delivering chicken with his uncle when five men approached their white Isuzu bakkie and pointed a firearm at them.
They also reportedly demanded their phones, after which the men got into the bakkie and drove off with the baby still inside.
‘The [father] tried to get a brick to break the window of the [bakkie] in order for the suspects to stop but they kept on going. [He] then immediately reported the incident to the police,’ Van Wyk told News24.
The baby was later found abandoned in Makhaza, near the Golden Arrow bus stands. He was reunited with his family while the bakkie was recovered in Harare.
‘The motive behind this incident is believed to be robbery. Investigations continue, and no arrests have been made as yet. An appeal is made to anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.’
Also read:
Picture: Eyasu Etsub / Unsplash