Family Development Initiatives (FDI) has condemned sporadic cases of child theft, citing the recent incident in Lusaka as a disturbing example.
FDI Team Leader Sheikh Yusuf Ayami emphasised that the case of Astridah Chanda’s baby, stolen and later recovered through police intelligence and DNA testing, illustrates the urgent need for stronger family and community vigilance.
He stressed that such crimes not only traumatise parents but also destabilise the moral fabric of society.
The Muslim Faith Leader highlighted that protecting children is both a spiritual duty and a civic responsibility.
Sheikh Ayami reiterated that offenders must face justice swiftly to deter future violations.
He further observed that FDI envisions thriving families built on safety, compassion, and resilience, where children grow in secure environments.
The organisation expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their vigilance and commended the government’s investment in DNA testing facilities, which proved decisive in confirming the baby’s true mother.
FDI urged communities to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities to authorities.
