The bogus social worker accused of kidnapping a baby is actually a schoolgirl.
Karabo Tau, an 18-year-old Claremont High School matric learner, appeared at the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Thursday on charges of kidnapping and applied for bail.
The teen was arrested on Sunday and allegedly confessed taking two-month-old Kwahlelwa Tiwane from his mom in Parow, and selling him to foreigners.
The child is still missing.
A calm-looking Tau wore the same grey and navy striped long sleeve blouse and jeans she had on when Harare cops caught her, reports the Cape Argus.
Court E was packed to capacity with family and friends from both families.
According to the baby’s mother, Asanda Tiwane, the accused, wearing a “social worker uniform”, approached the family and identified herself as Monica.
She allegedly promised the family and other community members food hampers, R1000 vouchers and social grants.
The mom said Tau asked for her son’s birth certificate, clinic card and made copies.
She returned on Thursday and accompanied the mother and the twins in a taxi to Parow where her “office” was.
MOTHER: Asanda Tiwane. Picture: COURTNEY AFRICA/AFRICAN NEWS
She said she had to run an errand to the Post Office and vanished with little Kwahlelwa.
Inside court, Tau’s mother was in tears and barred family and friends from talking to the media.
The investigating officer, Solomzi Ngunda, said Tau had been traced through her cell number, which she used in her communication with Asanda.
He said Tau admitted to stealing the baby but that she had been threatened by someone to do so.
The cop said another person had been taken into custody and that more arrests were imminent.
Ngunda said the accused appeared to belong to a “syndicate”.
He said the State was opposing bail because of the “magnitude of the case”, and because he feared for Tau’s safety.
Outside court, angry residents from Khayelitsha picketed, holding placards and chanting “Bring back the child, Monica”.
The twins’ father, Siyanda Thungani, begged for the kidnappers to return his son.
STILL MISSING: Little Kwahlelwa Tiwane
“It’s been a week since our baby has been stolen and we do not know whether he is still alive or not,” said the dad.
“We plead with whoever has our baby to at least sneak the baby in at a nearby police station if they feel that they are afraid to come forward.
Tau’s bail application was postponed to Monday and she will remain in custody.