Mpumalanga police search for mother of abandoned baby boy

The South African Police Service’s (Saps’) family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS) in Mbombela has appealed to the community to help them find a woman who allegedly abandoned a newborn baby boy in a restroom at a shopping mall.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said cleaners found the baby wrapped in a blanket in one of the restrooms at Ilanga Mall on 11 August 2021.

Authorities were immediately notified and the baby was taken to a place of safety. Police are investigating a case of child abandonment.

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“Police urge anyone with information that may assist locate the baby’s mother or family, to contact Detective Sergeant Solly Mabuza at 066-341-7821 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600-10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MySAPSApp. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous,” said Mohlala.

Mpumalanga police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela, has urged women to seek help from the relevant structures if they are facing challenges while pregnant or after they have given birth.