A 24-year-old woman has been arrested after she gave birth to a baby boy and threw him into a pit toilet in Ga-Rafiri village, Lebowakgomo, South Africa.
Police spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe says SAPS has observed the drastic increase in cases of new borns thrown into pit toilets by their mothers, despite campaigns conducted in an effort to raise awareness on structures within the Saps and its sister departments.
“Police were notified, reacted swiftly and rescued the infant who is currently recuperating in hospital,” Ngoepe said.
The Department of Health’s spokesperson, Thabiso Teffo says emergency services stabilized the baby and he was taken to the Zebediela Hospital.
Sadly, new reports say that the infant died in hospital while receiving medical attention.
The suspect is due to appear before the Magatle Periodical Court soon on a charge of attempted murder.
“The suspect in this matter has appeared before the Matlala Periodical Court for murder, she was released on warning and the case was postponed to 18 December 2017 for further police investigations to take place,” Ngoepe explained.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt.General Nneke Ledwaba, has condemned these acts, especially in the duration of 16 days of activism on violence against women and children.
Furthermore, Ledwaba sent a stern warning to those taking part in these ‘heinous acts’, that they will be dealt with harshly without compromise.
“Mothers are supposed to be the nurturers and protectors of children. It is now becoming a regular tendency and members of the community are advised to consult the helping professionals for family problems, with some departments, such as the Department of Social Development offering these services for free,” concluded Ledwaba.
