Authorities have arrested the woman after she allegedly abandoned her newborn baby in an open field shortly after giving birth.

According to reports, the woman gave birth to a baby girl at Leratong Hospital on Thursday, November 6. After being discharged the same day, she allegedly decided to abandon the infant in an open space, reportedly citing financial hardship as the reason for her actions.

It is understood that no one in her household is employed, and she claimed she could not afford to buy essentials such as clothing or baby formula.

The newborn is believed to have spent the entire night alone and exposed to the elements before being discovered by residents the following morning.

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Concerned community members alerted authorities, and members of the community safety committee under the Green Door Office responded to the scene.

Thato Malele from the Green Door Office confirmed that, following an investigation, the woman confessed to being the child’s mother and was subsequently taken into police custody.

“We urge residents to seek help and make use of support centres available to them, instead of resorting to such desperate actions,” said Malele.

The baby was rushed to the hospital for medical attention and is reported to be in a stable condition.

The Green Door Office and local organisations have encouraged struggling parents to reach out for assistance, highlighting that there are shelters and community programmes that can help new mothers in crisis.