Newborn dumped in canal in Lwandle

The month of September ended on a tragic note when another abandoned infant was found - this time dumped in a canal in an informal settlement in Lwandle.

It is the fifth reported case of a dead baby being found in the metropole in the span of three weeks. 

The latest incident took place on Tuesday morning in Lwandle where a newborn baby was found dumped naked in the Pholile informal settlement at around 10am.

It is reported that the baby was found in a filthy canal and was discovered by a resident.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that police are investigating an inquest docket.

Van Wyk reported: ”The office can confirm that an inquest was opened Tuesday, 30 September following the discovery of the body of a newborn baby at Pholile Informal settlement, Lwandle.

"A community member alerted the police of the incident just after 10:00 in the morning and they immediately went to attend the scene and the members found a naked body laying on its back. 

"They then cordon off the area. Medical personnel were then called to the scene and declared the body deceased. Police are currently investigating an inquest docket.”

Police kindly request anyone who might have information regarding the incident to contact Lwandle police detective on 021 845 2060 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.    

The discovery has alarmed communities after two baby girls were found dead in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein within a week two weeks ago.

And on Monday morning, 29 September, a baby boy was found dumped with the umbilical cord still attached in Parkwood on an open field along Walmer Road and the M5.

Spokesperson for Action Society, Kalynn Palm said: “This is a disturbing trend and reflects a tragic erosion of the value of human life in our society. Every child has the right to life and protection, and the dumping of infants is both a moral and criminal offence.

"South Africa must urgently restore a culture of responsibility and accountability. Parents must be educated not only about reproductive choices and access to healthcare but also about the sanctity of life and the consequences of their decisions. 

"Communities and civil society must work together to ensure the most vulnerable, namely our children, are protected from such inhumane acts.”

No arrests have been made in both of these cases.