MEC saddened by cases of abandoned babies in Ekurhuleni
“The prevalence of these types of crimes committed against children is shocking.”
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Thuliswa Khawe, raised concerns about the number of cases of abandoned children in Ekurhuleni.
Her concerns come after the body of a newly born baby was found wrapped in a skirt, near a stream at Roodekop informal settlement in Germiston.
The child was found on August 23 by a metal collector, almost a month after the body of a baby girl was found in Edenvale on July 29.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said the female child found in Harmelia was covered in plastic and wrapped in a towel.
The body was found by a guesthouse worker.
“The prevalence of these types of crimes committed against children are shocking.
“It is saddening because it cannot be justified. We want to deter these criminal acts against children from reoccurring,” said Khawe.
Khawe said the government works with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and makes it possible for anyone with child-rearing problems to receive assistance.
“The Department of Social Development (DSD) provides homes to unwanted children while reproductive health services are available at primary health care facilities.
“We want to call on the public to stop these criminal acts against children,” said Khawe.
Anyone who experiences difficulties related to unwanted pregnancy, or has a personal problem related to pregnancy, can call DSD on 011 355 9200.
The MEC urged the police to do all in their power to bring perpetrators of violence against children to book.
Mashile said the police were still investigating a case of the baby abandoned in Harmelia.
He urged anyone with information about the matter to report it to the police.
