Cape Town – A Cape Town family is living through every parent's worst nightmare after their one-week-old baby, Mogamat Imaad Shamar, was abducted from the Middestad Mall in Bellville on Saturday, 28 June. The Western Cape Missing Persons Unit (WCMPU) has launched an urgent appeal to the public, sharing flyers of the infant across social media in the hope that someone has seen him.
The circumstances surrounding the abduction are particularly distressing. According to the WCMPU, baby Shamar was taken by a woman known only as "Chivon." This woman had allegedly approached the baby's mother while she was still pregnant, claiming to represent an organisation that provided counselling and care packages to young mothers.
After the mother gave birth, "Chivon" reportedly took her to the Middestad Mall for a meal. However, the mother suddenly fell ill and went to the bathroom. Upon her return, she was met with the horrifying discovery that "Chivon" and baby Shamar were both gone.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident, stating that the Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is investigating the kidnapping. "Kindly be advised that Bellville Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is probing the circumstances surrounding the incident," Swartbooi said. "The complainant indicates that she visited the mentioned shopping centre on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with her nine-days-old baby. When she became nauseas she went to the bathroom and left the child with the person who was with her. Upon her return the person of interest and the baby was missing."
Marius Coetser, chairperson for the Bellville Community Policing Forum (CPF), said that while details are still emerging, it appears the mother and the suspect were known to each other.
Baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar was last seen around 13:26 on Saturday at the Middestad Mall in Bellville. He was wearing a white vest, a white crawler with cars on it, and was wrapped in a blue blanket. He has dark brown eyes, a light complexion, and black hair, and weighs 2.1 kilograms.
Swartbooi has urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. "Bellville FCS Unit is investigating a case of kidnapping. A public appeal is hereby made to anyone with information to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111," Swartbooi said. The police have assured the public that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
When attempts were made to reach out to the mother for comment, it was understood that she was with the police, assisting with the investigation and unable to speak to the media.
The disappearance of baby Shamar has prompted widespread concern and a renewed focus on child safety. The CPF and local community organisations are working with the police to raise awareness and encourage anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward.
This tragic incident comes as police in the Eastern Cape are also searching for the mother of a baby boy, approximately four weeks old, who was found dumped and still alive on Saturday. The baby was discovered after police were summoned to a scene and is now receiving medical care at a local hospital. A case of child neglect has been opened in connection with the incident.
The two incidents serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young children and the importance of community vigilance. As the search for baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar intensifies, the hope is that he will be found safe and reunited with his family soon. The police are urging anyone who may have seen "Chivon" or baby Shamar, or who has any information that could assist in the investigation, to contact Crime Stop immediately. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in bringing baby Shamar home.
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