HIGHVELD – Residents are concerned over the number of fetuses that have been dumped in the area.
They said it is disappointing that some pregnant women decide to terminate their pregnancies in an illegal way.
The residents said a fetus is discovered somewhere every week and indicates that many women of all ages still resort to unsafe terminations outside legal and designated facilities.
Ms Lebo Mabena, resident, said the police should investigate the issue.
“I think it’s time that the police take this matter seriously. There are too many illegal abortions in the township.
“The police must go into these places and shut them down.
“I am calling on women to follow the legal route when they want to terminate their pregnancies.
“Illegal abortions put them in danger.”
Fetuses are often found in drains, fields and sometimes in shallow graves.
Govan Mbeki Municipality released a press statement in which they urged locals to not dump fetuses in drains last year.
Mr Bheki Kubheka, the municipal spokesman, said the municipality appealed to the community to unite against this barbaric act of throwing babies and fetuses into municipal infrastructures, or anywhere for that matter.
“Another baby was found by the municipality in a manhole during an investigation into the sewer blockage and this occurred three weeks after a fetus was found in Ext 16.
“This immoral act is unfair to our employees who are not prepared mentally to deal with such discoveries and in fact no one should have to deal with this.
“Everyone has a right to life in terms of Section 11 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and these barbarians should be reminded of that, for there is no justification for these acts.
“We request the community, churches and the houses of traditional leadership to partner with the government in curbing gruesome activities, by raising awareness.”
Capt Bettinah Zondo, cluster police spokesman, said people must follow the right procedure when they need to terminate a pregnancy.
“People need to be aware of the consequences of committing such inhumane acts as the dumping of fetuses.
“A child is innocent and if a parent can not afford to look after the child, they should follow the correct protocol.
“If you do not want a child, there are legal routes that you can follow besides illegal abortions and abandoning children in the sewers.
“We condemn such practices in our community.”
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/119247/another-fetus-found/
