The body of a stillborn baby was found deserted in Kanana, Ikageng on Saturday afternoon. The baby was discovered in a blocked sewer in Boikhutso Street at about 12:10, according to Sgt Kelebogile Trom, the police spokesperson.
Trom could not determine whether it was a boy or a girl, but says the umbilical cord was still attached to the infant. A case of concealment of birth is being investigated.
Trom is appealing to the public to come forward with any information about the mother of the baby.
One of the community members who witnessed this discovery, a 26-year-old mother who wished to remain anonymous, said the infant was discovered when a contracted company started unblocking manholes in the area.
“When they opened the manhole with paper flowing outside, the baby’s head appeared from all the debris. I think the person gave birth at home and decided to dump the baby in the sewer. I have heard from people that it was a baby boy,” she said.
The distraught mother said it was a horrible sight for the children who were playing nearby and who witnessed this. “The best solution is for mothers who don’t want their babies to leave them at the hospitals, they will know what to do. I know in rape cases, the mothers leave them at hospitals. Isn’t it painful enough to throw another human being in a stinking sewer?” she asked.
The JB Marks Municipality has in the past warned the community not to throw any foreign objects in the manholes because it leads to rampant sewage spillages.
