Two babies abandoned in less than two weeks in Edenvale
“I would rather have the babies safely surrendered than dumped or abandoned in dangerous conditions,” said le Roux.
In less than two weeks, two newborn babies were abandoned in Tree of Hope’s baby box.
The first, a baby girl estimated to be a month old, was abandoned on October 30, while the second, a baby boy estimated to be just two days old, was abandoned in the box on November 9.
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According to one of the founders of Tree of Hope, Lelanie le Roux, the boy brought the total number of abandonments through the organisation’s baby box to five for 2021.
She said the two children were placed in the box with blankets, and they were healthy, clean and nicely dressed.
“This tells me the mothers were desperate, but they cared enough to put their children in the baby box. It tells me something about their character. These two babies were loved and will continue to receive love.
“I would rather have the babies safely surrendered than dumped or abandoned in dangerous conditions,” said le Roux.
She said when these two babies were abandoned, paramedics from Emer-G-Med were contacted and conducted assessments of the children.
In addition to informing emergency services, Edenvale SAPS and Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview were informed.
Le Roux explained the medics gave the children a thorough examination by assessing the children’s vitals, colour and looking for any injuries. She commended Sgt Edwin Lesufi from Edenvale SAPS who assisted her with the baby boy, saying he went above and beyond his call of duty by assisting her.
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When asked about the number of children abandoned through the organisations baby box compared to last year, le Roux said the numbers were pretty much the same.
“Last year the number of abandoned babies were spread throughout the year, but this year there seems to be more babies being abandoned later in the year.
“I think a lot of people thought 2021 was going to be better than last year but found themselves in desperate situations.”
When the NEWS spoke to le Roux in October, she called for greater mental health awareness and support for pregnant and new mothers after the body of a baby was found in a dustbin on the corner of Twelfth Avenue and Second Street on October 10.
At the time, le Roux said community members should think of ways to assist mothers and children instead of shaking their heads when hearing of children being abandoned.
Since calling on stakeholders for assistance in the October 20 edition of the NEWS, le Roux told the NEWS on November 9 she is laying the groundwork for a support structure for pregnant women, new mothers and those suffering from pre- and post-natal depression.
She said a meeting has been set with the role players for the middle of November to determine the meeting dates and way forward for the support structure.
Besides making contact with serval role players, le Roux said numerous community members contacted her and showed an interest in the idea.
Tree of Hope’s crisis line is 062 477 0792. Alternatively, its WhatsApp contact number is 064 686 6085.
Contact le Roux on 083 456 5954 to assist with the support group or for more information.
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