POLICE are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a newborn baby boy who was kidnapped on in Middestad Mall, Bellville, on Saturday.
Marius Coetser, Chairperson for the Bellville Community Police Forum, said that there is not much information at this point, except that the mother and suspect are known to each other.
Baby Mogamat Imaad Sharmar, who is nine days old, was abducted around 1.26pm on Saturday by someone who was with the mother at the mall.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is investigating a case of kidnapping.
Swartbooi said that the mother left the baby with the person who was with her as she went to the bathroom and after returning, the woman and baby were gone.
Swartbooi reports: “Kindly be advised that Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is probing the circumstances surrounding the incident as cited in your enquiry.
“The complainant indicates that she visited the mentioned shopping centre on Saturday 28 June 2025 with her nine-days-old baby.
“When she became nauseas she went to the bathroom and left the child with the person who was with her. Upon her return the person of interest and the baby was missing.
“Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is investigating a case of kidnapping.”
Baby Mogamat was last seen with a blue blanket. He has dark brown eyes, weighs 2.1 kilograms, is light of complexion with black hair.
When Daily Voice tried reaching out to the mother, we were informed that she was in an interview with the police and unable to speak.
Police are appealing to the public to come forward with any information in regards to the disappearance to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.