An 18-year-old mother has been arrested for the alleged abandonment of her newborn baby boy in a pit latrine in Sundumbili last Friday.

The teenager was arrested for ill-treatment of a child and child negligence. She appeared in the Nyoni Magistrate’s Court on Monday and the case has been remanded until July 21.

Following the alleged abandonment on Friday morning, a neighbour, known as Jabu, heard the sound of a baby crying while walking past the pit latrine.

“She went over to see what was happening and saw the baby lying on its back, looking up from the pit latrine,” said IPSS Search and Rescue operations manager Phumlani Vezi, the first emergency responder on scene.

Jabu called for help, and with the assistance of other residents, they removed the toilet seat and managed to safely retrieve the baby.

She kept the newborn warm and safe until paramedics arrived. The infant was reportedly in good health when he was taken to Sundumbili Clinic for observation.

According to Vezi, the baby has since been placed in the care of his grandmother.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.