Police in Masindi, Uganda, has detained a 16-year-old girl for allegedly snatching a three-day-old baby girl from the local hospital.
The suspect, a resident of Nyabyeya village in Budongo sub-county in Masindi district, posed as an attendant at the maternal ward in Masindi General Hospital.
She then approached a new mum named Sarah Nanjinga, 25, and urged her to take over her baby so she can relieve her of the child while she naps.
Nanjinga, who had just delivered her baby via C-section at the hospital on April 28, 2022, gave up the infant to the stranger.
The suspect later disappeared with the baby, prompting Nanjinga to report the case to Masindi Central Police station.
Dr. Felix Twinomugisha, the Medical Superintendent at Masindi General hospital said the supervisors at the ward were not aware that the suspect, who had reportedly spent four days in the ward, was posing as an attendant.
He cautioned mothers to be careful with their newborn babies at the various health facilities in the district, adding that there are many people targeting newborn babies.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson said police later busted the suspect from her hideout in Nyabyeya village and arrested her with the stolen baby.
“She is currently being held at the police station whereas investigations proceed to find out how the baby was stolen from Masindi hospital,” Hakiza noted.
Hakiza says once police investigations are through, the suspect will appear in court on charges of baby theft.