The woman arrested in connection with the kidnapping of one-week-old Mogamat Imaad Shamar, who was taken from a shopping centre in Bellville on Saturday, is expected to appear in court this week.

This after the infant was found safe on Monday evening in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, and the suspect was subsequently arrested.

The child’s mother, Imaan Brandt-Sharmar from Strandfontein, expressed relief following the arrest and safe return of her baby.

“I am feeling quite at peace. I am quite happy with the outcome. I am just happy that he’s home and safe and unharmed,” Brandt-Sharmar told SmileFM.

She added that the family was coping well after the ordeal and that her husband had only just met his son for the first time.

“My husband’s quite overwhelmed as well because it was his first time meeting him. Baby, he’s doing very well. He’s at ease as well,” she said.

Reflecting on the arrest of the 37-year-old suspect, Brandt-Sharmar said she’s happy with the arrest and wants to know why the incident occurred.

“I’m just waiting for everything else to pan out and get information on what the motive was behind it all and how it was to be me being the target.”

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Frederick Van Wyk, officers located the baby at a residence in Honolulu Street, Tafelsig, on Monday, 30 June, following a meticulous investigation.

Community members reportedly assisted police in tracking down the suspect. The suspect is believed to be a well-known member of the community. Residents told the Cape Argus she returned home with the baby, whose clothing matched the description in the missing person posters, and they then alerted police.

The suspect is expected to appear in court this week.

READ MORE: FOUND: One-week-old, kidnapped at Bellville mall, found