“The cleaner did the right thing by reporting the matter immediately. His vigilance enabled police to intervene before any child could be taken,” he said.
Police in Mbarara City have arrested a 35-year-old woman accused of attempting to orchestrate the theft of a newborn baby from Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
The suspect, identified as Ruth Tindimwebwa, is in police custody as detectives investigate the alleged attempted child theft.
According to the Mbarara City District Police Commander, SP Kenneth Kabwigo, Tindimwebwa allegedly approached a hospital cleaner and offered him one million shillings to steal a baby boy from the hospital’s Toto Ward.
However, the cleaner reportedly rejected the offer and immediately reported the matter to the hospital management, which alerted police.
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The swift response by hospital authorities and security personnel led to the suspect’s arrest before the alleged plan could be executed.
Police have since launched investigations to establish the motive behind the alleged attempt and determine whether Tindimwebwa acted alone or was part of a wider child trafficking network.
Kabwigo commended the hospital cleaner for his honesty and vigilance, saying his actions prevented what could have been a serious crime.
“The cleaner did the right thing by reporting the matter immediately. His vigilance enabled police to intervene before any child could be taken,” he said.
The suspect remains detained as investigations continue and is expected to be arraigned in court upon completion of the inquiries.
Police have urged members of the public, particularly health workers and support staff in medical facilities, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to help protect newborns and other vulnerable patients.