Staff Reporter
A baby who was stolen from her mother by a Welkom woman about seven months ago when she was only three months old has been reunited with her parents in Lesotho.
The baby, now 10 months old, was handed over to the biological parents on Monday by Free State Acting Premier Mamiki Qabathe in Maseru, Lesotho.
“I wish to thank the government of Lesotho which worked together with our government in ensuring that the child is brought back to her parents safe and sound,” Qabathe said as she handed over the child who has been kept in a place of safety in Welkom.
Qabathe is also the MEC for social development in the Free State.
The woman who stole the baby after posing like she wanted to assist the mother was traced to Welkom where she was found with the child and was immediately arrested.
The Department of Social Development worked with the Lesotho consular in Welkom for the reunification of the baby with her parents who are both Lesotho nationals.
Lesotho Social Development Minister Matebatso Doti thanked the acting premier, the police and social workers for the work they did.
She promised she would suggest to the Lesotho Ministry of Foreign Affairs that it deploys social workers at Lesotho consulates across South Africa to help expedite similar cases.
The family of the baby is expected to receive counselling organised by the government of the mountain kingdom.
The child will also be provided with the necessary trauma support and care.