Durban Nanny Arrested for Stealing Baby; Boyfriend Unknowingly Paid R2,500 a Month Thinking He Was the Father

A 35-year-old nanny is set to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 29, 2025, following her arrest for allegedly stealing a nine-month-old baby from his home in Durban. The shocking incident has raised serious concerns regarding child safety and trust in caregiving roles.

The ordeal began on Saturday afternoon, September 27, when the baby's mother returned home to find both her son and the nanny missing. Alarmed by their disappearance, she immediately contacted the nanny, who confessed to being in Empangeni with the infant but failed to provide a credible explanation for leaving the house without permission. Instead, the nanny instructed the mother to travel alone to Empangeni to retrieve her child.

Realising the gravity of the situation, the mother promptly reported the incident to the Durban Central Police Station. In response, specialised police units were activated to handle the case. A police operation was launched in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, leading to the quick apprehension of the nanny in Empangeni, where the child was also found unharmed.

After the rescue, the infant underwent precautionary medical checks to ensure his well-being. Fortunately, the child was reported to be in good health and showed no signs of harm.

Preliminary investigations have revealed shocking details about the nanny’s actions. It appears she had deceived her boyfriend into believing that the baby was their child. Reports indicate that the boyfriend had been providing her with R2,500 a month to cover the infant's needs, unaware of the truth behind the situation.

As the investigation unfolds, police have confirmed that the nanny will face multiple charges related to the incident when she appears in court. The case has sparked outrage and concern among parents and guardians, calling into question the safety of children in the care of hired help.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to the care of young children. As the legal proceedings begin, many will be watching closely to see how the justice system addresses this alarming case of alleged kidnapping.