TZANEEN – The mother of the baby who was abandoned at the Tzaneen Taxi Rank’s toilets on Thursday, November 14, has been found.

Authorities confirmed that she was arrested and is now under police supervision.

Both the mother and the baby are currently receiving care at Van Velden Hospital in Tzaneen.

According to Wisani Tshuketana, communication officer at Van Velden Hospital, the young mother has been admitted and has consulted a social worker.

“The baby girl is safe, healthy, and well taken care of at the hospital,” Tshuketana said.

Read more: Baby found at Tzaneen taxi rank

Mopani district police communication officer Const Khomotso Hlokwe said on Tuesday, November 19, that the mother would be required to make a statement admitting to abandoning her baby in the toilet.

“Whether she is arrested or not will all be determined by the result of her mental state,” Hlokwe added.

The incident shocked the Tzaneen community. Taxi operator Shoketso Leshabane recounted hearing a baby crying in the toilet around 19:00. Initially, he thought little of it, but when the crying grew louder, he went to investigate.

Upon opening the door, the crying stopped, but as he turned around, it began again.

“I switched on my torch and saw the baby lying under the washing sink. I picked her up and called the police,” Leshabane said.

The police took the baby to the hospital, where family members recognised the baby’s clothing and contacted authorities.

The mother was later located.