Babies and fetuses still being dumped
A passer-by found two foetuses wrapped in a red sheet inside a plastic bag next to a soccer field in Mamelodi East, Extension 22 on Wednesday morning.
The Mamelodi East police are investigating a case of concealment of birth after they found two fetuses wrapped in a red sheet inside a plastic bag.
The plastic bag was spotted by a passer-by in Extension 22 next to a soccer field, and this person immediately informed the police on Wednesday morning.
Earlier this year, Ward 16 Councillor Johanna Matentjie raised serious concerns about the growing number of babies found dead at illegal dumping sites.
It is believed that the number has escalated to close to 50 newborns found dead since the beginning of the year.
Patricia Ngobeni from Extension 18 said women must learn to exercise safe sex.
“There are many people out there praying every night and day to give birth to their own children but they can’t and others just throw away babies like they are not a gift from God. This is a big sin. There are many places of safety where they can leave their unwanted children if they don’t want to take care of them,” said Ngobeni.
Irate community members said they would run their own investigation within the area to find out who had been pregnant and what had happened to these babies.
Anastasia Mosetlha, a social worker in Mamelodi, told Record that they were concerned about the growing number of fetuses and stillborn babies found around Mamelodi.
“If women find themselves in difficult situations concerning pregnancy or do not want to take care of the baby, they are welcome to approach the Mamelodi social workers for help,” said Mosetlha.
She also stressed that some of these women were getting rid of their babies because they were under pressure and stressed because the father of the baby did not want to get involved.
“We would like to encourage the fathers of the babies to support their girlfriends. We offer counselling for women, including those who would like to take care of their children, and give advice to women who have fallen pregnant after being raped and because of this feel that they cannot keep the child. There are many safe places for children to be handed in for adoption,” said Mosetlha.
Mamelodi East police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Michael Mbewe, confirmed both incidents and said they had opened cases of concealment of birth but that no arrests had been made.
“As the police, we appeal to members of the community to come forward with any information to help with the investigations,” said Mbewe.
