BABY LEFT FOR DEAD

PARKWOOD mense were stunned in horror after finding an abandoned newborn in a veld on Monday.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said Grassy Park police officials attended to a complaint at approximately 7.20am regarding a baby lying in a field between Walmer Road and the M5.

Van Wyk reported: “Upon arrival, members discovered the body of a male infant with the umbilical cord still attached.

“The baby was declared deceased on the scene by paramedics.

“An inquest docket has been registered at Grassy Park SAPS for further investigation.”

According to mense at the scene, the baby appeared to be pre-term at five or six months.

One person said that people who were returning home from work saw the baby lying on the field.

The resident explained: "We didn't see who dumped the baby. We just came to look."  

Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) deputy chairperson George Nelson told the Daily Voice that when he arrived at the scene the incident may have happened during the early hours of the morning.

Nelson said: “One of the community members came forward who said they saw what happened on the field while they were burning copper and said he wasn’t involved, but saw what happened.

“I have escalated the information to our camera control room in order to identify any suspects. I have also sent it out to our social and WhatsApp groups in order to get our community to come forward."

Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) spokesperson Monique Mortlock-Malgas told the Daily Voice that there are various factors that may lead to a baby being abandoned such as unwanted pregnancy and mental health challenges.

Mortlock-Malgas added: “The Department has various support services in place to help mothers, such as counselling at local DSD offices.”

She added that support services are available at public health facilities including local DSD offices and NPOs in the child protection sector for those who need support following the birth of a baby.

This includes counselling, family planning services, and information about alternative options.

DSD encouraged those who are struggling to reach out for help at a DSD local office, or by contacting the toll free number 0800 220 250.

Anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Gregory Kleinhans at 079 894 1307 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.