A woman of Ndola is set to undergo a mental examination after allegedly stealing a one-year-old baby, claiming she loved the child deeply.
The incident was reported to police by Iness Musonda, aged 23, of Bunga area, Mwaiseni, in Twapia Township that her daughter, Jacqueline Besa, aged one year and four months, was stolen on Sunday by a woman identified as Rebecca Nayame.
According to Ms Musonda, Ms Nayame visited her home earlier that day and expressed admiration for the baby, requesting to take the child to her place. 
Ms Musonda refused, explaining that the baby was too young to be taken away.
Copperbelt Province Police Commanding officer Peacewell Mweemba said that later that evening, Ms Nayame returned to Ms Musonda’s house, where she found the complainant dressing the baby outside after a bath.
“After dressing the baby, Ms Musonda went inside the house to fetch socks, leaving the baby with Ms Nayame. When she returned, both the suspect and the baby were gone,” Mr Mweemba said.
Ms Musonda immediately informed her mother, and they began searching for the suspect.
He said while searching, they received a tip about Ms Nayame’s whereabouts but were unsuccessful in locating her. After hours of searching, they decided to return to the suspect’s residence around 22:00 hours but found it empty.
Mr Mweemba said the following day, on Monday, November 18, 2024, Ms Musonda and her family went to Mushili as advised and while at Mushili Market, they spotted Ms Nayame, who attempted to flee upon seeing them.
He said she was apprehended with the help of members of the public.
“When questioned about the baby’s whereabouts, Ms Nayame led them to the child within the market,” Mr Mweemba said.
Mr Mweemba said the child was retrieved and taken to Kaloko Police Post, where they also found Ms Nayame’s grandmother, Sharon Mwewa who also her granddaughter had arrived at her home in a drunken state with the baby and was unable to explain where she had taken the child from.
He said investigations revealed that Ms Nayame previously had a baby girl who had passed away.
Mr Mweemba said during interviews, Ms Nayame who appeared to be of unsound mind, insisted she wanted to keep the victim’s child, claiming to love her deeply.
He said the child was found in good condition and that Ms Nayame will undergo mental examinations.
“The baby’s mother has been advised to take the child for a medical check-up,” he added.
