Update: Kidnapped 2-Week-Old Baby Rescued, Woman Arrested In Westville

A 21-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of two-week-old Baby Owami Lonathando Sindane.

The dramatic rescue of the kidnapped baby, unfolded on Monday morning, with the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) playing a key role in tracking down the suspect and recovering the infant safely near the Pavilion Shopping Centre in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal.

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Baby Owami Sindane Kidnapped In Cato Manor

The  incident began on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at approximately 15:00 when Baby Owami was abducted from her home in Cato Manor.

Her mother, Bongiwe Sindane, reported her baby was kidnapped to the RUSA Operations Center at 22:00 that night.

The suspect had reportedly befriended the mother at a local clinic after suffering a miscarriage in late April and had visited her under false pretenses before she  kidnapped the baby.

RUSA Launches Nationwide Search With Helicopter Support

Upon receiving the alert, RUSA launched a full-scale operation involving Reaction Officers and aerial surveillance.

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The search included monitoring key exits in the area between Cato Manor and Westville. Over the course of 11 hours, the RUSA Operations Center received 34 tip-offs from across South Africa, including Pietermaritzburg, Limpopo, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.

These tips, along with intensive tracking, eventually led officers to Chesterville in KZN where the suspect was seen acting suspiciously.

Suspect Apprehended Near Pavilion Shopping Centre

Reaction Officers on Monday, intercepted the woman as she attempted to flee the area with the baby.

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Officers had blocked all entry and exit points in Westville and maintained observation using RUSA’s helicopter.

Upon detaining the suspect, the kidnapped Baby Owami was confirmed to be in her possession. She was arrested and quickly removed from the area for her safety as an angry crowd gathered.

She was later handed over to FCS SAPS Cato Manor and positively identified by the mother.

Kidnapper’s Motive Revealed

During questioning, the woman admitted to kidnapping the infant to cover up her miscarriage, which occurred on April 24.

She claimed she wanted to convince her boyfriend that she had given birth to their baby.

The boyfriend, upon discovering the truth during the arrest, ended the relationship on the scene and cooperated with authorities.

Shockingly, the suspect also revealed she had not provided proper nourishment for the baby, only feeding her water in a bottle.

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