Kwayedza Newspaper reports that a couple from Chitungwiza, Tichaona Chako (38) and his wife Natasha Chikwanha (32), whose newborn son was abducted in 2013 and found a decade later in 2022 have confirmed fnding their child after 10 years.
The Abduction (2013):
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Three weeks after giving birth at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Mai Chikwanha was still unwell.
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While resting outside the hospital, she was approached by a seemingly compassionate woman who claimed to be from Unit M, Chitungwiza.
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The woman gained their trust, accompanied them to Harare city centre, and then abandoned Mai Chikwanha on an errand at Gulf Complex, fleeing with the three-week-old baby.
The Aftermath and Discovery (2022-2023):
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The couple was devastated, with family members even suspecting the mother had sold the child. They sold their livestock and possessions to fund a long, fruitless search involving prophets and traditional healers.
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The case was solved in 2022 when the abductor, now living in Rusape, had a dispute with her husband. The argument revealed she had no legal documents for the child, and she was also suspected of abducting another baby. This led to police involvement and her arrest.
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DNA tests confirmed the boy was the Chako’s son. After a process with Social Welfare, the now 12-year-old boy was finally reunited with his biological parents in August 2023. He is now in Grade Six.
Current Situation and Plea:
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The family, which includes two other children, is struggling financially after exhausting their resources during the 10-year search.
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They are appealing for financial assistance to start a new life and provide a good education for their returned son.
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Both parents emphasize the importance of parents always vigilantly protecting their children. They have provided their contact numbers for anyone who can help.
Legal Outcome:
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The female abductor was arrested, charged, convicted, and is currently serving a prison sentence for the crime.
