Toddler abducted at Meikles Mall, Bulawayo

A two-year-old girl, Assandra Ndhlovu, was reportedly abducted at Meikles Mall on Tuesday morning, leaving her family distraught and the local community in shock.

Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incident, saying the toddler was with her mother serving customers when she disappeared around 9am. At the time, Assandra was wearing a pink jersey and blue jean trousers, without shoes.

"After about 20 minutes, the complainant checked for her child and could not locate her. She asked her workmates, but no one had seen the child. She then reviewed the mall CCTV footage," Inspector Msebele said.

The footage reportedly showed an unknown man in a brown hooded jacket and blue work trousers lifting the child and leaving the mall. The suspect's face was not visible.

Relatives said the mother was too traumatised to speak, with the child's aunt describing the moment the toddler vanished: "The mother was attending to a customer, and when she turned back, the child was no longer there. Panic quickly set in as she asked around, but no one could give clear answers."

The aunt added that mall security assisted the family in reviewing the CCTV footage, revealing the abduction. "That moment was heartbreaking. The mother broke down completely and could not speak," she said.

The child's grandfather, Bhekekhaya Hadebe, called the incident a "painful tragedy" and urged anyone with information to come forward.

A message circulating on social media has appealed for public assistance in locating Assandra. Authorities and the family have asked shop owners, mall visitors, and anyone in the area at the time to provide information that may help recover the missing toddler.

Police investigations are ongoing, and the community has been urged to remain vigilant and report any leads.