Woman (23) who dumps newborn, remanded in custody
The woman was charged with concealment of birth after she dumped her newborn in a pit toilet.
LIMPOPO – A young mother appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court last week after she is said to have left her newborn in a pit toilet after giving birth on 29 April. The 23-year-old woman from Maniini Block M East, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with concealment of birth. Flociah Ramutumbu, a neighbour of the accused, said she was about to use the bathroom at around 06:45 on Friday, 30 April when she heard what sounded like a baby’s cries coming from inside the bathroom, of which the door was closed.
“I called the neighbours, and one of the young girls who stayed nearby, quickly responded that it might be a cat. I was not convinced,” Ramutumbu said. Opening the door, she said, confirmed her fears.
“We contacted the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), who quickly arrived at the scene and managed to rescue the baby, who was still breathing.” According to Ramutumbu, she and her family are thankful that a resident from the community agreed to help build a new toilet for them, as the incident left them traumatised. Collen Siaga, a relative of Ramutumbu who was also called to the scene of the crime, described what happened as sad and urged young girls who fall pregnant to make an informed choice if they don’t want their infants.
“Children are gifts from God, and we must appreciate, love and protect them from harm.
We must raise them with care and ensure they are well taken care of as they are the leaders of tomorrow.
“There are so many options for mothers.
They can, as one option, give their children up for adoption, instead of dumping them,” said Siaga. Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, confirmed the incident and said the accused will remain in police custody until her next court appearance on 6 July.
