Shock find: Police investigate two incidents of discarded fetuses
One fetus was found in Mpumalanga, the other in KZN. Authorities call for community assistance in their investigations of abandonment.
Discarded fetuses were found in Middelburg and Terrance Park respectively. Photo: RUSA
Police are investigating two separate cases of abandonment after two fetuses were found discarded in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, and Terrance Park, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
The police urge residents with CCTV cameras in the area to review their footage and report any relevant information which could assist in their investigations.
Discarded fetuses
Here’s what we know:
Middelburg
A developed fetus was found in a black bag near Celsius Street, close to Zuid Street, in Middelburg on Saturday.
The bag containing the remains had been discarded in an open field in the area. Authorities are currently investigating the case as a concealment of pregnancy.
Post-mortem examinations will be conducted to determine the fetus’ stage of development, race, and other medical findings.
The shock discovery was made earlier today, but no further information has been released by the police.
Terrance Park
In a separate incident, a fetus was found on Rambo Khoza Road in Phase 5, Terrance Park, KZN, this morning.
A scrap collector discovered the remains inside a plastic packet, which had been discarded in a bush.
The resident who was then informed of the discovery, contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) at around 10:44.
Reaction officers arrived at the scene and met with Verulam SAPS, who were already in attendance. It was determined that the umbilical cord had been cut, and there were no signs of a placenta.
Police investigations are ongoing in both cases and community members who may have witnessed either incident are urged to come forward with any pertinent information.
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