- A woman and her husband allegedly kidnapped her Grade One niece, Paulina, after collecting her from school under false pretences
- The suspects demanded TZS 20 million (about KSh 992,795) from the girl’s parents and allegedly threatened to kill her if the ransom was not paid
- Through a police operation, the couple was apprehended, and the woman reportedly explained why she decided to commit the act
A woman in Tabora, Tanzania, has left her family shocked and devastated after she allegedly kidnapped her Grade One niece, Paulina, and demanded a ransom from the child’s parents.
Source: Facebook
The woman reportedly went to Paulina’s school on June 1, claiming to be her older sister and saying they needed to take a passport photo of the young girl to open a bank account for her.
She then requested permission to take the child home and prepare her for the photo session, a request that Paulina’s teachers reportedly granted.
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Why did Tabora woman kidnap her niece?
Sadly, authorities claim she had other intentions. She allegedly held the child hostage and demanded TZS 20 million (approximately KSh 992,795) from the girl’s parents, threatening to kill her and ensure her family never saw her again if the money was not paid.
Speaking to residents on June 11, Tabora Regional Commissioner Paul Chacha said the woman and her husband had both been arrested.
During a public gathering, Chacha presented the woman accused of kidnapping her own niece before residents, saying he wanted parents to know who she was.
Following reports made by Paulina’s family, Chacha said authorities immediately launched efforts to trace the child.
The search led to the arrest of the couple, who were found at a guest house.
“This is a very despicable act. How can you kidnap your own niece and demand a ransom from your brother? We brought her here so that all of you can see who she is because our children are now fearful of even going to school,” said Chacha.
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He noted that the suspects used a new phone number to communicate with the parents and frequently switched the phone on and off in an attempt to avoid being tracked.
The little girl was rescued after 10 days and reunited with her relieved family members.
What did Tabora woman say after arrest?
According to the authorities, the woman claimed her husband came up with the idea due to their financial struggles.
She explained that getting the money was going to help them lead a better life than how they were.
The money was indeed sent to them but they never got the chance to withdraw or use it as the police acted first to arrest them.
Netizens react after woman kidnaps he niece
Wisdom Nelson:
“Tunaanza na walimu, aliyeleta mtoto shule ni mzazi, anakuja kuchukuliwa na mtu mwingine na wanaruhusu. Kwa staili hii watoto wengi watapotea. Hata kama ni ndugu, kabla hamjampa mtoto fanyeni mawasiliano na aliyemleta mtoto shule. Pili muhoji mtoto kama anamjua vizuri huyo mtu na atoe maelezo anamjuaje. Uzembe wa usimamizi wa shule. Huyo ndugu yeye katumikia tayari. Neno lililoandikwa siku za mwisho watu watakuwa wenye kujipenda wenyewe. Tupo kwenye kizazi cha giza sana. Neema ya Mungu pekee itulinde sisi na vizazi vyetu.”
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Ibrahim Sanora:
“Huyo mtoto ni wa ndugu yake. Inawezekana huyo ndugu yake ana uwezo kifedha na kuna kitu labda aliwahi kumfanyia akamnyima malipo. Unajua tena mambo ya ndugu. Akaona akifanya hilo jambo atapata pesa, lakini amezngua sana. Sikuzote mtegemea nduguye hufa maskini.”
Elly Shayo:
“Kweli hii shida ya hela imefikisha watu mbali sana.”
College student kidnaps little cousins for ransom
In other news, NgGossips reported that a young man allegedly kidnapped his cousins, aged four and two, and demanded a ransom.
Marvis Iriko, the children’s mother, narrated how her children went missing and the terrifying moment she received an anonymous call the following day.
After his arrest, the suspect admitted to kidnapping the children, explaining why he did so and when he had planned to return them.
Source: NgGossips
