Resident of Magangeni find strangled baby at Lemana Dam
The police went to the scene and on arrival found the body of an infant of which both legs had been eaten away.
LIMPOPO – Residents of Magangeni village are coming to terms with the trauma of one of their own stumbling upon the sight of a dog eating at a newborn that had seemingly been strangled and subsequently dumped at Lemana Dam.
According to information, a 29-year-old witness on Thursday walked along a gravel road in Magangeni along the dam bridge when he saw a dog near what seemed to be a baby.
The man told CV that the infant had seemingly been strangled with what looked like pantyhose.
“We were in shock as this is the first time we’ve witnessed such trauma in the area, after two people drowned in the dam two years ago.
“We are not happy with the mother who dumped her child here. It looks like she gave birth at home because the umbilical cord was still intact,” the man said.
Social Development spokesperson Joshua Kwapa urged mothers who cannot care for their children to reach out to social workers.
“If you are struggling, contact social workers who can guide you towards a solution best suited for your children’s needs and safety,” he said.
Vhembe police spokesman Sgt Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident.
“The police went to the scene and on arrival found the body of an infant of which both legs had been eaten away, as well as the left arm. The infant, a newborn boy, had pantyhose tied around his neck.”
He confirmed that the body was removed from the scene by a forensic pathologist from Elim Hospital Government Mortuary for a post mortem to be conducted.
The suspect, he said, is still unknown, but the police are investigating the case.
If you have information on the whereabouts of the mother, or any other information, please contact the investigating officer Det WO Mmberegeni Jonathan Muthavhine on 082 319 9629.
