A 19-year-old woman arrested for allegedly kidnapping a baby was granted R1 000 bail at the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.Patience Matsaa of Boitekong was arrested on Monday after she allegedly kidnapped a two-day-old baby at the Job Shimankane Provincial Hospital.
She allegedly gave the baby’s mother R23 to buy food before disappearing with her baby.
North West police said the baby was born on Sunday and mother and baby were discharged on Monday.
Police said the incident occurred while the mother was waiting for transport outside the hospital. Matsaa allegedly approached her, offering her money as a goodwill gesture.
“[The suspect] appeared to be a good Samaritan. She congratulated the mother for having a newborn and offered her R23 for food. The [mother], 31, then handed over her newborn to the suspect so that she can get back to the hospital shop to buy food,” said police.
The baby and the woman were gone by the time the mother returned.
The woman was traced to Sondela informal settlement where she was arrested and charged with kidnapping.
The case was postponed to August 21.
PH
