Recyclers at the Rietfontein landfill site made a grim discovery of two deceased newborn babies found in garbage bags on Tuesday morning.
According to Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, Springs SAPS communications officer, the recyclers uncovered the tragic scene while sorting through waste for recyclable materials.
“They notified the police station and officers swiftly responded to the scene. They found a full-term newborn baby boy deceased, still attached to his umbilical cord and placenta,” said Tshabalala.
The circumstances surrounding whether the baby was alive at the time of abandonment remain unclear.
Tshabalala said that paramedics arrived to formally declare the baby dead. While awaiting the arrival of LCRC officers and a mortuary van, another tragic discovery unfolded.
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The recyclers further stumbled upon a second deceased full-term newborn baby boy, also with his umbilical cord and placenta attached, approximately 20m from the first baby.
“The second baby appeared to have been born recently, as it still had signs of a faint heartbeat.”
In response to these tragic incidents, Springs SAPS has opened two cases of concealment of birth.
Tshabalala emphasised the incidents as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of newborns and stressed the importance of ensuring proper care and protection from birth.
“We urge anyone with information that may assist in tracking the mothers of the newborn children to come forward,” Tshabalala added.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Springs SAPS on 011 365 5700.
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