Newborn baby SURVIVES after she was DUMPED on R712. Photo: SAPS
Newborn baby SURVIVES after she was DUMPED on R712
Police said the newborn baby with her umbilical cord still attached was found covered with a plastic bag on the R712.
Newborn baby SURVIVES after she was DUMPED on R712. Photo: SAPS
The newborn baby with her umbilical cord still attached was found covered with a plastic bag on the R712.
A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY FOUND THE BABY
According to the police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the Warden Police is investigating a case of attempted murder.
“Police is investigating a case of attempted murder after a newborn baby girl was found by a community member on the R712 road on 18 April 2022, covered with a plastic bag.”
THE NEWBORN BABY IS UNDER MEDICAL OBSERVATION
The baby’s umbilical cord was still attached.
Mophiring said the baby is in hospital under medical observation.
Thebe District Hospital in Harrismith notified police of the incident on Saturday, 23 April 2022.
DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST THE POLICE?
Any person with information on the whereabouts of the biological mother can contact Vrede Family, Child Protection and Sexual offences Unit at 079 502 7871 or Crime Stop 08600 10111. Tip-offs can also be submitted on the MySapsApp.
ALSO READ: Newborn baby killed when allegedly THROWN from car in Cape Town
DAYS LATER THE MOTHER CONFESSED
He said the mother went to the police station on Monday and confessed to dumping her baby.
“The woman was arrested and charged accordingly.”
The baby is still in hospital, where she is being monitored while police continue to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela condemned the incident.
“We believe it is paramount for families, traditional leaders, and spiritual leaders to assist in restoring the moral fibre of our society.”
ABANDONMENT OF BABIES ON THE INCREASE?
List of babies who had been abandoned since September last year:
- On 23 February 2022, the tiny body of a newborn baby was found along Plein Street in Cape Town
- On 12 November 2021, an aborted foetus was discovered in a rubbish bag on College Lane in the Durban Central Business District
- On 19 September 2021, a newborn baby was found dead in the Blaaupan dam in Bonaero Park, South East Kempton Park
- On 17 September 2021, the body of a newborn baby was found washed ashore on Brighton Beach in Gqeberha
- On 14 September 2021, a newborn foetus wrapped in a rubbish bag was found dumped at the Phoenix taxi rank in Durban
DESPERATE MOTHERS URGED NOT TO DUMP THEIR BABIES
“Abandonment of infants in South Africa is, unfortunately, a common occurrence.
“Many of these children are left to die, or simply abandoned, in dustbins, open fields, public toilets, or on train tracks,” The Door of Hope organisation said.
The organisation knew that something needed to be done
ALSO READ: Watch: Desperate pregnant mothers begged not to dump their babies
“In 1999 the Berea Baptist Mission Church said, “something needs to be done”. Under the leadership of Pastor Cheryl Allen, the church made a hole in their wall and a ‘Baby Box’ was installed allowing for mothers to leave their babies any time day or night for the church to take care of them,” the organisation said.
The moment a baby is placed, care workers on duty receive an electronic signal alerting them. The baby is taken in and the anonymity of the “donor” is ensured.
