The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested a 36-year-old woman suspected of abducting babies from Masaka Hospital and falsely claiming them as her own. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a mother who had recently given birth at the hospital.
The suspect was apprehended on Monday night at her residence in Fumbwe Sector, Rwamagana District. During the operation, investigators also discovered a five-year-old child believed to have been abducted from the same hospital five years ago.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry B. Murangira confirmed the arrest, stating that following the report of a missing child, investigators traced the suspect to her home in Rwamagana.
The suspect, identified as Florence Mukamana, is alleged to have frequented Masaka Hospital under the pretense of assisting new mothers who could not afford hospital fees. After paying for their medical expenses and gaining their trust, she would escort them home, seemingly as a Good Samaritan.
However, her involvement did not end there. When it was time for the child’s vaccination, Mukamana would accompany the mother to the clinic and suggest taking the baby ahead on a motorcycle while the mother followed on a bicycle. Along the way, she would instruct the motorcycle rider to take an alternate route, absconding with the child.
Dr. Murangira revealed that the child found at Mukamana’s home had been kidnapped years ago, but no complaint had been filed at the time.
“We are now investigating to identify the child’s biological mother, as no official report was made when the child was taken,” he said.
Mukamana, who is now facing criminal charges, has four biological children from a previous marriage. However, she has not had any children with her current husband. Notably, her husband also has children from a previous relationship.
Dr. Murangira expressed disbelief at how the suspect’s husband had claimed the abducted child as his own, despite knowing that Mukamana had never been pregnant during their time together.
“This case is highly unusual, and it is the first time we have encountered such a situation in our investigations,” he stated.
He further noted that, historically, child abductions were primarily committed by domestic workers who kidnapped their employers’ children due to grievances over unpaid wages.
As of the time of reporting, RIB confirmed that the abducted child and the biological mother had been placed under the care of Isange One Stop Center in Kacyiru for support and counseling.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing that even individuals who appear to be Good Samaritans may have ulterior motives.
Mukamana is being prosecuted for child abduction under Article 151 of Rwanda’s Penal Code.
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