Zoe Project alerts pregnant women to rising human trafficking scams

The Zoe Project has warned pregnant women and the general public to be on alert following a case of baby trafficking involving a woman who falsely claimed to work for the organisation.

Baby Mogamat Imaad Shamar was taken from his mother at Middestad Mall in Bellville on Saturday, June 28 by a woman pretending to be affiliated with the Zoe Project.

The organisation’s head, Tracey Aitken, urged expectant mothers to remain cautious.

“Our trained volunteers have all received police clearance and are easily identifiable by workwear bearing the Zoe Project brand name on the front of the scrub,” she said. “Also, we do not offer one-on-one house visits. All our antenatal classes are done in groups, and all assessments and counselling are only offered at Zoe Project offices on site of designated health facilities by authority of the management.”

Ms Aitken has asked anyone approached by someone fraudulently claiming to be from the Zoe Project to WhatsApp her directly on 073 174 1992.

She thanked the Mitchells Plain community for alerting police to suspicious claims by a resident about the sudden birth of “her” baby.

She said, “The swift actions of SAPS resulted in the arrest of the person concerned and baby Shamar being reunited with his mom, which is fantastic news.”

Ms Aitken stated that the incident not only traumatised the family but also posed a risk to the reputation of the Zoe Project, which has built trust over 25 years in local communities by providing free counselling and antenatal support

“We are pleased that this story has had a happy ending with baby Shamar being reunited with his mom and family and the Zoe Project name being cleared of any involvement in this criminal activity whatsoever,” she said. “We can now move forward with our heads held high, continuing the excellent work we do in our communities.

“Having said this, it is important for all pregnant moms to remain vigilant because human trafficking is on the rise. Be alert to strangers approaching you offering free products and/or services. It is a scam. Rather be safe than sorry.”