19-year-old woman arrested for kidnapping newborns at Chókwe Rural Hospital

A 19-year-old woman is being held by the District Command of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) in Chókwè, Gaza province, suspected of kidnapping a newborn baby at the local Rural Hospital. The case, which has shocked the community, also involves two healthcare professionals from the same hospital, who are suspected of being accomplices in the crime.

According to the PRM (Mozambique Police), the young woman entered the maternity ward disguised as a companion, waiting for the child's mother to fall asleep so she could take the baby. Initial investigations indicate that healthcare professionals facilitated both the removal of the newborn and the subsequent registration of the child in the suspect's name. The mother raised the alarm shortly after the disappearance, allowing authorities to intervene quickly.

The baby was recovered later that same day, around 2 pm, and safely returned to the mother. Initially, the young woman claimed it was her son, born at home. However, after being confronted with the evidence, she confessed to the crime and confirmed the involvement of hospital staff.

The Health Sector in Gaza province has confirmed the incident and assured that the child is in good health. The hospital management has referred the matter of criminal responsibility for the professionals involved to the competent authorities and announced the strengthening of measures to control access and stay in the wards.