Foetus found by security at Pretoria mall

Police spokesperson Portia Sebone said the foetus was found wrapped in a pink and white cloth when it was discovered, Pretora Rekord reports.

“Police received a complaint from the security guard that works in Soshanguve Plaza. He said he had discovered a foetus in one of their bins covered in a pink and white cloth.”

Sebone said paramedics were called to the scene and later confirmed that the foetus was no longer alive when it was discovered but they could confirm that it was a girl.

“There are no cameras there to show who dumped it. The case is still under investigation because we do not know who the mother is yet. If we find the mother during our investigations, she will be charged with concealment of birth.”

Sebone encouraged teenage girls not to resort to dumping children in bins as they were ways to help them.

“Yes, it is difficult as a teenager to take the news that you are pregnant but there are ways that they can be assisted if they ask for help. There are shelters if you do not know how to take care of a child. You can give him or her up for adoption, there’s no need to kill an innocent child.”

Sebone said teenage girls who fell pregnant should not undergo illegal abortions, because it might harm them or the baby and urged parents to be vocal about the consequences of having sex at a young age.

“As the police, we do prevention awareness campaigns in schools but it should start at home. Parents should not shy away from talking about sex with their children.

“Some parents feel like they will be teaching their children naughty things but in teaching them, you are raising awareness of the consequences of sex. Parents should urge their children to use condoms or take prevention pills.”

Sebone urged anyone who might have witnessed the incident or might have any information that will lead to the arrest to call Soshanguve SAPS on 012-730-1300 or use the MySAPS app.

Soshanguve Plaza spokesperson Mosa Mphuthi said they were deeply saddened about what happened.

“As it is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment much on it but we are trying our best to get to the bottom of this matter.”