Soweto mother relieves the night baby was kidnapped
Baby Siya found a few days later in KwaZulu-Natal
A Soweto mother yesterday relived the horror of the night her 14-month-baby was kidnapped during a house robbery in 2016.
Testifying in the Protea Magistrate’s Court, Mandisa Mlambo related her harrowing experience when two men accosted her, tied her up, threatened to kill her and kidnap her child, Siyabonga Madubong.
Thokozani Mpanza, baby Siyabonga’s nanny Nompilo Mpanza and Xolani Ntshingila, are on trial for kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances relating to the October 28 2016 incident in Protea Glen, Soweto.
Baby Siyabonga was found in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, a few days later.
Nompilo Mpanza is believed to be the mastermind behind the robbery and kidnap. It is alleged the crime was an act of revenge by Mpanza against the child’s father.
Mlambo told the court that she was scared when Ntshingila approached her, pulled out a kitchen knife and instructed her to enter the house before the robbery and the kidnapping occurred.
“He [Ntshingila] told me he would kill me if I screamed. He led me to my bedroom where he demanded I give him money,” Mlambo said.
“They tied my hands, sat me down on the floor and searched my handbag.
“Ntshingila left my bedroom but returned with my car keys and demanded I give him my bank card pin number – but I gave him a wrong number.”
She said Ntshingila left her home with Nompilo and the baby and after some time, he called Thokozani and instructed him to give her the phone.
“He said the pin was incorrect and promised to kill my child if I did not give him the correct one. I gave him the correct
‘‘ He told me he would kill me if I screamed. He led me to my bedroom
one. They returned later and ransacked the house. They then dressed my child and left,” Mlambo said.
During Mlambo’s testimony, the trio appeared confused and asked their legal representatives for clarification.
Mlambo told the court that some investigating officers from the Protea police station questioned her and Nompilo a few days after the kidnapping.
The officers noticed discrepancies in Nompilo’s version of events, Mlambo said.
“They took us to the police station where I was told that there could be a lead in finding my child. I was shown a picture and was asked to say if it was Siyabonga or not.
“I said it was him and the police took me to KZN where I was reunited with him.”
The trial continues today.