News / National
Girl kidnapped at Zimbabwe hospital, kidnappers demand US$2,000 ransom
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A 12-year-old girl was kidnapped from Sally Mugabe Central Hospital on Saturday in a shocking abduction that has left her family distraught and police scrambling to track down the suspects. The kidnappers are now demanding US$2,000 for her release.
The child was left in the hospital canteen by her grandmother, Viola Kutama, 58, a nurse aide at the medical facility. Kutama had gone to attend to some patients and left her granddaughter occupied with her mother's mobile phone. However, when she returned, the girl had vanished.
Shortly after the disappearance, Viola received a chilling message on her mobile phone. It read:
"Tisu tine mwana wenyu tirikuda US$2000" - Shona for "We have your child, we want US$2,000."
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case.
"Police are investigating a kidnapping case involving a minor child," he said.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over security in public spaces, especially in medical facilities where many vulnerable people, including children, are often present.
Authorities have urged members of the public with any information regarding the child's whereabouts to come forward. Investigations are ongoing as police work to trace the origins of the threatening message and locate the girl.
The identity of the child is being withheld to protect her privacy, but her family is said to be traumatised and desperately hoping for her safe return.
The child was left in the hospital canteen by her grandmother, Viola Kutama, 58, a nurse aide at the medical facility. Kutama had gone to attend to some patients and left her granddaughter occupied with her mother's mobile phone. However, when she returned, the girl had vanished.
Shortly after the disappearance, Viola received a chilling message on her mobile phone. It read:
"Tisu tine mwana wenyu tirikuda US$2000" - Shona for "We have your child, we want US$2,000."
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case.
"Police are investigating a kidnapping case involving a minor child," he said.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over security in public spaces, especially in medical facilities where many vulnerable people, including children, are often present.
Authorities have urged members of the public with any information regarding the child's whereabouts to come forward. Investigations are ongoing as police work to trace the origins of the threatening message and locate the girl.
The identity of the child is being withheld to protect her privacy, but her family is said to be traumatised and desperately hoping for her safe return.
Source - the herald
