14-year-old in court over tod­dler kid­nap­ping

A 14-year-old girl has appeared before Mark Dzira, facing a charge of kidnapping a two-year-old child from a city centre mall. 

The minor was not required to enter a plea, and the magistrate ordered that she be examined by two State-appointed doctors under the Mental Health Act. She was remanded out of custody until 10 March 2026 and will remain under the care of social welfare authorities. The accused attended court accompanied by her mother, whose identity is protected, and social welfare officials.
Prosecutor Hazel Ncube told the court that the incident occurred on 17 February 2026. The complainant, 24-year-old Nesisa Mpofu, from Emakhandeni suburb, was working as a sales representative at a city centre mall when her daughter, Asanda Charisma Ndhlovu, was allegedly snatched while playing near her cubicle.

The case is being handled with heightened sensitivity due to the involvement of a minor both as the accused and in safeguarding the identity of the victims. Social welfare authorities will continue to oversee the accused until the next court appearance, ensuring her wellbeing and compliance with legal proceedings.