On Friday, people were busy fixing a manhole in KwaThema Extension Three when they saw the body of a baby floating in the water.
“When we took him out of the manhole we noticed that the umbilical cord was still attached. We notified the police immediately,” says Alfred Mabaso.
Ward Councillor Wilson Busakwe says to help the police arrest the baby’s mother for concealment of birth, he will call an urgent meeting to discuss the matter with the community.
He urges parents to always know the whereabouts of their daughters.
“I believe that mothers who abandon their stillborn babies are young mothers who are afraid of their parents’ reactions if they found out about the pregnancy,” says Busakwe.
He also urges tavern owners in the townships not to let school children inside as it is illegal to sell alcohol to minors. He also wants them to close before 10pm during the week.
According to KwaThema police spokesman, Captain Ntsane Ntsane, the body was taken to Springs government mortuary and a case of concealment of birth has been opened by KwaThema police.
No arrest has been made.
Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the baby’s mother is asked to contact KwaThema police on 011 812 4612.
