Limpopo police probe infant’s death after shocking discovery in pit toilet
A 21-year-old woman has appeared in court for allegedly killing her newborn and dumping the body in a pit toilet in Tshitavha.
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A 21-year-old woman appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on a charge of concealment of birth.
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She allegedly used a shoelace to strangle her 12-day-old daughter and disposed of the body in a pit toilet.
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The incident took place in Tshitavha village near Louis Trichardt while the woman’s mother was out in the fields.
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Upon return, the grandmother asked about the baby, and the accused allegedly confessed to the killing.
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The baby’s body was recovered by police and taken for an autopsy.
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The accused remains in custody and is expected back in court on July 4.
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LIMPOPO – A 21-year-old woman appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on Friday on a charge of concealment of birth after allegedly strangling her 12-day-old daughter and disposing of the body in a pit toilet at Tshitavha village near Louis Trichardt.
According to Vhembe police spokesperson WO Vuledzani Dathi, the woman reportedly used a shoelace to strangle the infant.
“The mother of the suspect had gone to the mealie field and returned about an hour later. She asked her daughter to wake the baby to breastfeed, and the young woman allegedly confessed to killing the child and dumping her in the pit toilet,” said Dathi.
Police and the community were called to the scene, where they recovered the lifeless body of the baby, which was taken to a government mortuary for an autopsy.
The accused was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear in court on July 4.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Local ward councillor Edwin Mulefu condemned the incident.
“This has shocked us deeply. If the mother had a miscarriage or was struggling, there are legal and safe avenues to follow. We do not condone such actions,” he said.
Social Development spokesperson Joshua Kwapa urged struggling parents to seek help.
“If a mother feels overwhelmed or unable to care for a child, social workers are available to help explore options like adoption or safe care. It’s vital that we put the welfare of children first,” he said.
Authorities continue to urge communities to report any signs of distress or neglect, stressing that help is available before tragedies occur.
