As night started to set in Kensington, a pair of twins, wrapped in towels, were found abandoned on a pavement.
The baby boys, believed to be premature and only a few days old, were found by SAPS officers conducting a routine patrol on February 22.
Cleveland SAPS spokesperson, Capt Johan Jordaan, said the children were brought to the station shortly after they were found.
“Const Ramateletse of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS) was informed and a social worker from Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview, Jaimie Penny, was called to assist,” said Jordaan.
“It is unknown at this stage who the mother is,” said Jordaan.
He said a case of child abandonment was opened at the Cleveland SAPS.
Once assessed by a doctor the boys were placed into the care of Edenvale-based child care organisation Tree of Hope.
Founded by Daniela Carstens-le Roux and mother Lelanie le Roux, the organisation cares for children abandoned by their parents and those found abandoned.
Lelanie said the children were placed in the care of one of the organisation’s safe care mothers and are doing relatively well.
“The boys are making wonderful progress,” said Lelanie.
She said when the children first arrived each weighed approximately two kilograms.
Since the organisation started early last year it, and the safe care mothers it works with, has provided care to 12 children.
Lelanie said although the organisation does have a baby hatch on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Second Street, some of the children were placed in its care by Child Welfare.
She said overall the organisation has been quite busy in recent weeks.
On February 22 a 15-month-old girl was placed in the baby hatch and is being cared for.
“The young girl showed some signs of what appeared to be malnutrition, but she is doing well.”
During December a three-month-old baby boy was placed in the organisation’s care by Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview.
The child was found in a plastic bag by recyclers on a pile of rubbish.
“I believe the child was left there to die,” said Lelanie.
The child was taken to Edenvale Hospital where it received treatment.
No matter if a child is abandoned in a hatch like that at Tree of Hope or on the pavement or in a dustbin, the matter is reported to the police.
“I would like to thank the officers for all their assistance,” said Lelanie.
As a charitable organisation, Tree of hope relies heavily on the support of the community.
Lelanie said although the twins have received donations of clothes and other items to sustain them, more donations will be needed in the future.
“The community rallied behind them and I think they are set for now.”
“They do grow up so if anyone is thinking of making donations like clothes or nappies they must think of the children when they are three or six months old.”
Lelanie said some of the other children being cared for do need occupational and speech therapy.
Instead of donating funds to the organisation for therapy Lelanie advised that community members pay therapists directly.
Lelanie encouraged community members to rally behind the social workers in their community and assist them where they can.
Donations can be dropped off at 24 Sixth Avenue, Edenvale.
Contact Tree of Hopes crisis line on 064 696 3085.
