SEBOKENG. –  A child abandonment case is being investigated by the Sebokeng police after an infant was spotted by a ‘Good Samaritan’ wrapped in blankets in a Zone 14, Sebokeng passage, on Tuesday.

On his way to work, the Good Samaritan, Lerato Ramafikeng saw a Shoprite plastic bag and heard what sounded like a baby’s cry. He opened the plastic bag only to find an infant and he screamed for help. Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane said that community members in that area, upon hearing Ramafikeng’s screams responded swiftly as they thought someone was being robbed.

“Sharp Meds Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was the first to arrive on the scene and they observed the infant as it was unknown how long he had been abandoned. While they were busy observing, Sebokeng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived and the paramedics worked together in making sure that the child was examined thoroughly before being taken to Sebokeng Hospital for further check-up,” Mokhachane said.

The Zone 14 community members named the infant Sechaba (Nation).

Ramafikeng explained how he was deeply touched by this incident and since the infant was abandoned, he decided to name him Oratiloe (The loved one).

“This world needs people like Zone 14 residents, where one’s screams for help is responded to. It is not the first time that they have committed themselves to assisting a person in need and this shows that together we can conquer,” Mokhachane said.

The police urge the community members to participate in various structures of community patrols and to report any crimes that may affect them in their respective areas. Any person who may need police help can contact Sebokeng SAPS on 082 498 9563, 016 466 2047, 112, 10111, 08600 10111, alternatively via MySAPS.