Police have raised alarm over a growing number of child abduction cases in Harare following an incident in which a man allegedly grabbed a toddler and attempted to run away with her in Mbare.

Walter Hatitye Chigayo, 24, was arrested on Sunday for reportedly kidnapping a one-year-seven-month-old baby. The incident happened around 9pm.

According to police, the child’s mother, Emily Chiambaiwa, briefly stepped aside to pack some food items outside her home, leaving her baby momentarily unattended. She then saw Walter running off with the child.

She screamed for help, alerting neighbours who quickly responded, chased after Walter, caught him, and escorted him to Mbare Police Station.

The incident has shocked the local community and intensified calls for heightened child-safety vigilance.

Harare deputy provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa, confirmed the arrest.

“Police have taken into custody a man from Mbare for the kidnapping of a baby. Fortunately, both the mother and child were not harmed. The suspect will appear in court soon,” she said.