Newborn found dead next to Homelake railway tracks

A Herald journalist rushed to the scene to be met by the shocking sight of a baby in a plastic bag showing no signs of life and covered by flies.

Randfontein CPF and CWP workers on scene. Photo: Michelle Roodt.

Community Work Programme (CWP) workers informed the Herald on Tuesday afternoon (June 21) about a newborn baby they had found while they were cleaning around the train tracks in Homelake.

Herald journalist Michelle Roodt rushed to the scene to be met by the shocking sight of a baby in a plastic bag showing no signs of life and covered by flies.

Randfontein police, Randfontein CPF and Gauteng Provincial Emergency Services at the scene of the disturbing discovery. Photo: Michelle Roodt.

CWP site administrator Matshidiso Baabua said they were on a cleaning campaign around the railway line at approximately 11:00 when the workers stumbled upon the newborn baby wrapped in plastic.

They then phoned the police and Randfontein CPF.

The Randfontein police, Gauteng Provincial Emergency Services and the Randfontein CPF were on scene.