Gauteng MEC for Social Development Thuliswa Khawe raised concerns about the number of cases of abandoned children in Ekurhuleni.
Her concerns comes after the body of a newly-born baby was found wrapped in a skirt near a stream at Roodekop informal settlement in Germiston.
The child was found on August 23 by a metal collector almost a month after the body of a baby girl was found in Edenvale on July 29.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said the female child found in Harmelia was covered with plastic and wrapped in a towel.
The body was found by a guesthouse worker.
“The prevalence of these types of crimes committed against children are very shocking,” said Khawe.
“It is saddening because it cannot be justified. We want to deter these criminal acts against children from reoccurring.”
Khawe said the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) works with non-government organisations and makes it possible for anyone with child-rearing problems to receive assistance.
GDSD media liaison officer Thabiso Hlongwane said in the past four months four cases of child abandonment were reported to the department’s regional office in Ekurhuleni.
“In Edenvale, Bedfordview and Modderfontein areas, the number of reported cases remains steady,” said Hlongwane.
“This could be due to awareness programmes around child protection programmes rolled out by GDSD and other stakeholders.”
Despite the “steady” number of cases, Hlongwane said Bedfordview had more reported cases than Bedfordview in Modderfontein in the past quarter.
In the Johannesburg region in July and August alone the department received 12 cases of abandoned babies.
The GDSD provides homes to unwanted children while reproductive health services are available at primary healthcare facilities.
“We want to call on the public to stop these criminal acts against children,” said Khawe.
Anyone who experiences difficulties related to unwanted pregnancy or has a personal problem related to pregnancy can call DSD on 011 355 9200.
Hlongwane said the abandonment of babies can be mainly attributed to issues such as:
• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancies.
• Poverty.
• Unemployment.
• A lack of support.
• Teenage pregnancy.
Hlongwane said when an abandoned baby is found by an NGO, protocols related to the Child Abuse Neglect and Exploitation Act 38 of 2005 must be followed.
The act dictates that the incident be reported to the Department of Social Development through Form 22.
No matter if the baby is dead or alive the matter must also be reported to the nearest police station for investigation.
If the baby is alive SAPS will then ensure the safety and well-being of the child if the child is at risk.
The officers must notify the provincial Department of Social Development or a designated child protection organisation within 24 hours and identify what procedure they followed.
Once notified, the department will ensure the child is taken for medical assessment, kept safe and placed in alternative care.
The MEC urged police to do all in their power to bring perpetrators of violence against children to book.
Mashile said the police are still investigating the case of the baby abandoned in Harmelia.
He urged anyone with information about the matter to come forward to the police.
Contact Edenvale SAPS on 011 553 8600.
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