By Mapaballo Borotho
- Police are searching for Ntombifuthi Xulu, who allegedly disappeared with a baby in Hillbrow.
- The infant’s mother says she was tricked into leaving her newborn with two women after a clinic visit.
- One suspect has been arrested, while the search for the second woman continues.
Gauteng police are searching for a woman, Ntombifuthi Xulu, who allegedly vanished with an infant belonging to a Malawian mother living in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
The mother has been searching for her baby since April 2025, after she was allegedly tricked into leaving her newborn with two women.
According to reports, the mother had been attending pregnancy check-ups at Hillbrow Clinic. Due to a language barrier and her limited understanding of South African languages, a woman identified as Joyce Mokoena assisted her with interpretation.
She gave birth at the clinic in April 2025 and was told to return after three days for a check-up. When she returned, Mokoena was there again, this time accompanied by another woman.
After the check-up, the two women asked where the mother lived, and she agreed to show them. While walking, Mokoena said she was thirsty and asked for water, prompting the mother to take them to her flat.
Once there, the women said they were hungry. The mother explained that she had no food, and they offered her money, suggesting she leave the baby with one of them while she went to buy food with the other.
The mother left with Mokoena, leaving her baby behind with the second woman. While waiting for food, Mokoena said she wanted a cigarette and walked away, never returning.
The mother became concerned and returned to her flat, where she found that both her baby and the second woman had disappeared.
She later opened a case at Hillbrow Police Station. Police have since traced and arrested Joyce Mokoena, who remains in custody.
Investigations have identified the woman who allegedly took the child as Ntombifuthi Xulu from Newcastle.
Police are calling on anyone who has information regarding Xulu to report to their nearest police station.
READ NEXT: Be vigilant: Too many children are going missing in South Africa