Limpopo mom appears in court for concealment of birth
Joshua Kwapa, spokesperson for Social Development urged mothers who cannot care for their children to reach out to social workers.
LIMPOPO – A 34-year-old mother appeared in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on a charge of concealment of birth after a newborn baby boy was recently discovered in a pit toilet at Vhutuwangadzebu village, not far from Elim. Hlanganani Maluleke, who had been nine months pregnant, claimed that she had had a miscarriage.
The discovery of the boy’s body was made on November 28 when a villager contacted the police.
Upon their arrival at the scene, they saw the body of an infant that had been trapped, and they reached out to the local municipality to assist with a TLB to excavate the toilet and retrieve the victim.
The body was taken to the government mortuary for an autopsy and further police investigations. Vhembe police spokesperson WO Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident. “The suspect appeared before the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on December 1, and was granted bail.
“She will reappear before the same court on January 23. Police investigations continue,” he said.
Charles Musekwa, the chairperson of the Mpheni Traditional Council, strongly condemned the incident. “We are still shocked over the incident because if indeed the mother had a miscarriage, it was supposed to be done in the right way. As the traditional council, we stand firmly against what the mother is said to have done,” he said.
Joshua Kwapa, spokesperson for Social Development urged mothers who cannot care for their children to reach out to social workers.
“These professionals can provide the necessary advice and options, including adoption, with the help of government facilities. It’s crucial that a child’s welfare comes first. If you’re struggling, contact these experts who can guide you towards solutions best suited for your child’s needs and safety,” he said.
