Durban Newborn Reunited With Mother After Suspect Tries to Pass Baby Off as Her Own Following Miscarriage
A dramatic rescue mission came to a heartwarming end on Monday morning when two-week-old Owami Lonathando Sindane was found alive and unharmed near Westville Pavilion Shopping Centre, KwaZulu-Natal. The baby had been kidnapped in Durban on Sunday night, sparking a national outcry and an urgent response from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA).
The 21-year-old female suspect was arrested in Chesterville, just hours after the mother, Bongiwe Sindane, reported the abduction at 10:00 PM. Baby Owami was successfully recovered at 09:15 AM, less than 12 hours later.
Rescue Fueled by 34 Nationwide Tip-Offs
RUSA received 34 tips from across the country—including Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Limpopo, and beyond. Acting swiftly, RUSA deployed ground teams and aerial support, narrowing the search to Chesterville in the early hours of Monday.
The suspect, described as acting suspiciously while holding a newborn, was confronted by officers. Upon questioning, she was found in possession of baby Owami and arrested immediately.
Due to rising community anger and threats of mob justice, she had to be quickly escorted out of the area for her safety. She was later detained at FCS SAPS Cato Manor, where the baby’s mother positively identified her.
A Plot Rooted in Tragedy and Deception
In a disturbing confession, the suspect admitted to kidnapping the baby after suffering a miscarriage on April 24. She had met Bongiwe Sindane at a Durban clinic, befriended her, and allegedly devised a plan to steal her baby in order to deceive her boyfriend and avoid abandonment.
She told police she passed the baby off as her own and had only been feeding the infant water since the abduction—raising urgent concerns about the child’s condition.
Thankfully, Baby Owami is now safe and receiving medical attention, and her mother has been reunited with her after a terrifying ordeal.
Justice and Relief
The arrest brings some closure to a shocking and emotional case that captured national attention. Bongiwe Sindane has thanked RUSA and the public for their swift response and prayers.
