Children and babies found dead is a sad but almost daily occurrence, and on Monday, 10 July alone, I came across three such horrific incidents.
In Weltevreden Park, Roodepoort, a foetus was found in a rubbish bin outside a residence on Cornelius Road. Paramedics said they were called to the scene after they were alerted by security. Upon arrival, paramedics found that the foetus showed no signs of life.
In Douglasdale, Fourways, a new-born baby boy was found dead in a rubbish bin outside a complex on Honeyguide Road. Paramedics said they were called to the scene when they were alerted by complex security after a man had been rummaging through the bins. Upon their arrival, paramedics found the baby had been wrapped in a cloth and a plastic bag, and it was evident that it had been dead for some time.
In Witbank, a woman believed to be in her 20s and her three children were found dead in their home on Cancer Street. Paramedics said they were called to the scene by local authorities. Once on scene, paramedics were led into a bedroom, where they found the mother lying on the floor. The also found a five-year-old boy, a nine-year-old girl and a seven-month-old baby boy lying in their beds.
According to an official statement, “It was evident that all four had been dead for some time. Unfortunately, nothing could be done by paramedics and the patients were pronounced dead.”
According to a survey released by the South African Institute of Race Relations in June, SA’s murder rate is both shocking and alarming, with almost half a million South Africans having been murdered since 1994. The murder rate of 31,9 per 100 000 people is also said to be one of the highest in the world. In addition, 884 children were murdered in 2015/ 16. Over the past decade, almost 10 000 children have been murdered.
While there many issues facing the country, the slaughter of innocent children and babies has to be a high priority for government. What are your thoughts? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za.
