A case of attempted murder and one of child abandonment has been opened at the Jeppe SAPS.
This is after a 19-month-old child was dropped off on Tuesday evening after 8pm, along Hawthorn Street in Kensington.
The Jeppe SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Richard Munyayi, said a security guard noticed a motorist dropping a suspicious plastic bag next the street before driving off.
“The security guard went to see what was inside the bag. He noticed that there was something moving in it and called the police. When the bag was opened, officers found the baby girl,” said W/O Munyayi.
He said the child was taken to hospital.
“She is doing well – she is just hungry. After the medical examination, the child was taken to a place of safety where she is recovering,” said W/O Munyayi.
He urged anyone who can assist the police in locating the child’s relatives, or find the person who left her on the side of the road, to contact the Jeppe Police Station on 011 624-6060/6000.
The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, urged mothers who do not want their babies to put them up for adoption.
“I urge mothers who decide to get rid of their children to give them up for adoption, rather than ending their lives in this ruthless and painful manner. It is sad that during this age and time there are people who continue to devalue human life and dignity, even worse if it done by the mother,” she said in a statement.
MEC Nkosi-Malobane commended those involved in the rescue of the child.
“I want to commend the bravery of the security officer and the police who assisted with saving the life of this little angel. A firm instruction has already been issued to the police to work around the clock to find the perpetrator,” she said.
