The family of the 12-day-old infant who was kidnapped over the weekend expressed their relief when they were reunited with their son. 

Baby Mogamat Imaad Sharmar was rescued from the clutches of his alleged kidnapper on Monday in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain. 

Police have confirmed the arrest of a 37-year-old woman. 

At their home in Strandfontein, the family could not stop cuddling him as relief filled the air. 

The young mother, Imaan Sharmar, 25, said she could not stop holding her second-born, and gazing into his eyes. 

The mother of two said she received the call after 9pm from police. 

“I cannot express it but I am overjoyed. I am at ease,” she said. 

Sharmar also confirmed her son was dressed in the same vest she put on for him on Saturday, but the other clothing must have been new clothing that the woman bought for him. 

Baby Shamar’s sister, Inarah, was also happy to see her little brother. 

Little Sharmar was kidnapped at a local shopping mall in Belville on Saturday, June 28.

Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, confirmed the safe recovery of the baby on Monday, June 30. 

He said a multidisciplinary crime combating team, comprising the Provincial Organised Crime: Anti-Kidnapping Investigation, Crime Intelligence, Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, worked tirelessly since a case of kidnapping was registered with Bellville SAPS on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

“Owing to the meticulous investigation and the analytical approach to the information at their disposal, the team pounced on an address in Honolulu Street in Tafelsig on Monday, June 30, 2025, where they found the child and in the process detained a 37-year-old female for kidnapping,” van Wyk said. 

The mother and alleged kidnapper were out for a meal at the Middestad Mall in Bellville when the incident took place. 

“The mother and the baby were at a local shopping complex in Bellville when she became nauseous. She left the child in the care of a woman who was with her when she went to the bathroom.

“Upon her return, the mother was unable to locate the woman and her baby. She reported the incident to Bellville SAPS for further investigation,” van Wyk said. 

According to information, the woman had approached the mother prior to her giving birth, and she claimed to be working for an organisation that assisted young mothers with counselling and care packages.

Police said the accused is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court. Investigations continue.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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