BOIPATONG. – A 35-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder after being caught red-handed burning a newborn baby at a dumping site in Tshepiso.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela reports that the incident happened on Monday evening around 21:30.

“A witness summoned the police to the scene after he saw the woman pushing a wheelbarrow to the dumping site and subsequently dumping and burning a baby.

“The man then informed the caretaker of the dumping site who removed the body of the baby from the fire.”

Maxambela states that the community was immediately alerted about the incident and that the witness gave a description of the woman’s appearance to the community.

“The community together with the man walked to the woman’s  place of residence and brought her back to the scene. She was subsequently handed over to police.”

Maxambela further reports that the woman’s clothes had blood believed to be that of the baby on them upon her arrest.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Maxambela said police could not confirm whether the baby was still alive or not when the incident happened.

“A post moterm will determine the cause of death.Police have launched a murder case docket,” Maxambela adds.

The suspect is due to make an appearance before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court soon.