WHITE RIVER – Despite the fact that in less than a week’s time the world will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, two newborn babies were found dumped at different locations on December 5 and 10.
The first incident occurred in White River near Metropolitan on December 5 when a 27-year-old woman of Matsulu tried to suffocate her three-day-old baby boy in a plastic bag before dumping him.
WO Gugu Phiri, spokesperson for the local police, said the woman was initially seen in passing carrying her son.
A security guard nearby who was surprised to see her returning without the baby, approached and questioned her about the whereabouts of the infant and that was when she allegedly said the baby had died.
The two then went to the scene and the guard called the police who promptly responded.
“The baby was found alive, discarded in a plastic bag and a box with a log placed on top of him.
“He was rushed to a nearby hospital while the mother was arrested on charges of attempted murder,” said Phiri.
Ms Promise Ntileni appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court where she was remanded in custody.
The matter was postponed to
January 20.
The second baby was found dead at a dumping site in Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality on
December 10.
According to Const Sello Mbokane, spokesperson for Elukwatini police, the gruesome discovery was made by a 42-year-old woman who earns a living through recycling plastics while she was searching for plastic bags at the site.
“She discovered the newborn baby stashed in a white plastic bag at the municipality’s dumping site,” he said.
According to Mbokane, the female notified the waste-truck driver about her discovery and he alleged that the dump where the baby was found, was from Elukwatini loan homes and the Riverside section at Elukwatini.
Police and pathologists were called to the scene and an inquest was opened. “An investigation is still continuing and charges of concealment of birth will be added when the mother is found,” added Mbokane.
“It is very disturbing to see that there are still people who possess such a mindset when government-assisting plans such as the child-support grants are in place,”
he added.
The community was requested to assist the police with information that could lead to the mother’s arrest.
Different organisations urged women with unplanned pregnancies to consider giving their children up for adoption rather than killing or dumping them.
“Adoption is the loving option for your child when you are sure you are unable to provide the nurturing environment he or she needs and deserves.
“This is a decision that should not be made lightly. Make sure you receive good counselling,” read Family to Family’s website.
A local health worker who cannot be named because she is not the spokesperson for her organisation, urged expectant mothers with similar problems to seek assistance from social workers and other health promoters in their communities.
