Berea SAPS are investigating a case of concealment of birth after a foetus was found in a bin in Morningside, Durban, this morning.

According to Berea Mail, this is the second such incident in three months. In December, a foetus was discovered in a bin on Montpelier Road in the area.

“We can confirm that a foetus was found in the bin in 10th Avenue, Morningside. A homeless man noticed the foetus while searching the bins. He informed a security guard who called the police. A docket was opened, concealment of birth,” says Berea SAPS spokesperson Captain Poobalan Naidoo.

Kyle van Reenen of Ensure Security explains: “Earlier this morning, Ensure Security were alerted to a gruesome discovery made by a bin digger in a side alleyway in the Morningside area. The man was confronted with a deceased aborted foetus, wrapped in a rubbish bag and left on the street. Various role-players attended, and the findings were confirmed. We encourage all moms-to-be to seek help and contact family planning services to prevent further incidents.”

According to the Law For All organisation: “With a reported 3 500 unwanted babies deserted every year, it’s safe to say that child abandonment and foetus dumping in South Africa is an epidemic. While it is illegal, there are various reasons that parents abandon their children. Alternate options for people who don’t want their children, if finances are the primary concern, are applying for a child support grant which could alleviate some of the pressure or alternatively, contacting a social worker. They can help with placing the child in foster care or adoption programmes. If that’s not possible, the social worker can also assist with placing the child in a youth care centre.”

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