Social workers have reported five cases of child abandonment so far this year, with the latest incident being the discovery of a deceased infant in Delft on Tuesday.
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Police were called to Fairhaven Street, Voorbrug, where the baby’s body was found inside a plastic bag.
Authorities expressed concern over the recurring cases and have called for increased use of baby savers at local clinics and hospitals.
The Department of Health’s forensic pathology service has yet to confirm the total number of infant deaths this year. Police have opened an investigation and are searching for the baby’s mother.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk stated, ‘Delft police registered a concealment of birth following the discovery of a baby’s body in a white plastic bag, in Fairhaven Street, Voorbrug, Delft.
According to reports, community members found the baby and promptly informed SAPS. A post-mortem will determine the cause of death. No arrests have been made yet; investigations are ongoing.
Last month, a resident in Kuils River found a newborn baby alive, hidden in a plastic bag in their backyard. The infant’s mother is now facing child neglect charges.
Earlier this year, a baby’s body was discovered along the Stellenbosch Arterial near the Belhar Fire Station, and another infant was found alive in Delft in March after being abandoned.
Saafia Samuels, a local crimefighter, expressed horror at the surge in abandonment cases.
‘We are shocked as I think we have counted about eight cases in recent months,’ she said.
‘Why is the community and the mothers of these young mothers not asking questions about what happened to the infant and why do they not report it to the police? There should be a baby saver at local hospitals or clinics instead of mothers choosing dirt bins to dump babies. Our communities also need to take responsibility and speak out.’
The Department of Social Services emphasised the availability of support for struggling mothers.
‘Between January and March 2024, there were five cases of child abandonment reported to the Western Cape Department of Social Development (these are children of different ages). Between April and June 2024, there were 0 reported cases,’ they said.
‘Support services are available at public health facilities, local DSD offices, and NPOs in the child protection sector for those who need help after giving birth. This includes counselling, family planning services, and information about alternative options. We encourage anyone facing mental health challenges and unable to care for their children to reach out to their nearest DSD office to discuss these options. If anyone finds an abandoned baby, they should alert SAPS or DSD.’
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