SAPS appeals for information after baby’s body is found in dustbin
“Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the results of the post-mortem, more charges may be added to the case.”
Edenvale SAPS appealed to the community for any information after a case of concealment of birth was opened at the police station.
Edenvale Police Station communications officer Sgt Jacob Mashile said the case was opened after the body of a child was found in a dustbin on the corner of Twelfth Avenue and Second Street.
Although Mashile could not provide the NEWS with the age of the child or whether or not it was a full-term pregnancy, he said the body was discovered on October 10.
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He said the body was taken to Germiston mortuary, where a post-mortem would be conducted.
“No arrests have been made but police are investigating the matter,” said Mashile.
“Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the results of the post-mortem, more charges may be added to the case.”
Mashile said the case is of significant concern for the police station.
Although the bodies of several babies and foetuses have been found in Edenvale in recent years, Mashile said this is not a growing trend in Edenvale.
He said this was the first body a child found this year.
Last July, the NEWS reported on the body of a baby girl, which was found in a dustbin along Fifth Avenue.
The body was found by a recycler who informed a domestic worker who, in turn, reported the incident to the police.
In 2019, the body of a baby was found dumped in a dustbin in Harmelia, while in 2018 the body of a newborn baby boy was found in a dustbin on Seventh Avenue.
“Our detectives are working all out on the case,” Mashile highlighted.
As the head of Edenvale Police Station’s Social Crime Prevention Unit, Mashile said the station plans to partner with stakeholders to create greater awareness of babies being abandoned in dustbins.
He said one plan includes partnering with other government departments and creating greater awareness at roadblocks.
Mashile reminded community members who may know about the body being abandoned to contact Edenvale Police Station as soon as possible.
He said all information will be treated confidentially.
Edenvale Police Station can be phoned on 011 553 8600 or phone the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
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