By Rahim Abdul
Police in Mangochi over the weekend arrested a 26-year-old woman identified as Aisha Mary Wilson, who had been on the run for allegedly stealing her friend’s five-month-old baby girl. The incident occurred on March 18, 2026, near Katema Bus Depot.
According to police records, the suspect is currently on court bail after allegedly committing a similar offence in Makanjira in January this year.
The suspect and victim were once neighbours in Mangochi Township before the victim got married and relocated to her home village in Katema Area. It is alleged that the suspect continued monitoring the victim from a distance until she eventually gave birth in November last year.
About a fortnight ago, Wilson convinced the victim to return to Mangochi town after promising her a job opportunity. Upon arrival, the victim stayed with Wilson for several days without being introduced to any job as earlier promised.
On the day of the incident, the victim decided to return home and the suspect offered to escort her to Katema Depot. Along the way, she asked to carry the baby, claiming she wanted to help the mother who had other luggage.
However, as they approached the depot, the suspect excused herself to answer the call of nature while carrying the baby and disappeared with the child.
After realizing that the suspect had vanished, the mother attempted to contact her and made inquiries within the area but failed to locate her, prompting her to report the matter to police later that night.
Following investigations, police traced and arrested the suspect in Chimwala Area, where she had been hiding, and rescued the stolen baby.
Meanwhile, the baby has been positively identified by the parents and referred to Mangochi District Hospital for medical examination.
Wilson has since been charged with child stealing, which contravenes section 167 of the Penal Code, and will appear before court after the completion of paperwork.
Wilson hails from Katema village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.
