Masindi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police in Masindi is holding a 16-year-old girl for allegedly stealing a three-day old baby girl.
The suspect whose names have been concealed by police because she is a minor, is a resident of Nyabyeya village, Budongo sub county, Masindi district.
It is alleged that the minor raided Masindi General hospital on Sunday morning at around 11am and asked the child’s mother to entrust her with the baby.
Sarah Nanjinga 25, the child mother and a resident of Kabango trading center in Kabango town council, Masindi district told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that she gave birth by C-section at Masindi General hospital on April 28, 2022.
However on Sunday, the girl approached her saying she wanted to help her carry the baby.
She entrusted her with the baby but she later realised that the minor had disappeared with the baby. This prompted her to report the case to Masindi central police station.
A nurse at Masindi General hospital who spoke to URN on condition of anonymity explains that the girl has been at the health facility for the last four days pretending to be an attendant.
Dr. Felix Twinomugisha, the Medical Superintendent at Masindi General hospital has warned mothers to be extra careful with their new born babies at the various health facilities in the district, saying there are many people targeting new born babies.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson says police immediately swung into action and started hunting for the suspect.
According to Hakiza, police managed to arrest the suspect red-handed with the stolen baby in Nyabyeya village.
She was immediately whisked to Masindi central police station where she is currently being detained adding that they are still investigating circumstances under which the baby was stolen from Masindi hospital.
Hakiza says once police investigations are through, the suspect will appear in court on charges of baby theft.
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