Witbank SAPS launches investigation into two cases of concealment of birth
Police have urged residents to avoid the illegal termination of pregnancies and to report such activities.
Witbank SAPS has opened investigations into two separate cases of concealment of birth after two foetuses were discovered in different parts of eMalahleni on the same day. The incidents occurred on July 15 in Siyanqoba and Tasbet Park 2.
According to the police, a local worker carrying out maintenance duties on a sewer line in Siyanqoba came across the first foetus. Police attended the scene, immediately opened a case of concealment of birth, and an investigation is currently underway.
In Tasbet Park 2, an eyewitness reported seeing a white vehicle stop near an illegal dumping site. A man allegedly exited the car and dropped a plastic bag. Upon closer inspection, the eyewitness discovered that the bag contained a foetus. Witbank SAPS confirmed that a case of concealment of birth has been registered and that they are investigating the matter.
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Witbank SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer David Ratau, urged women to avoid unsafe and illegal pregnancy terminations.
“If you find out that you are pregnant and you don’t want the baby, we kindly advise that you terminate the pregnancy the legal way. If it’s already too late to do so, please wait to give birth and give the child up for adoption. It’s really sad to witness such incidents,” Ratau said.
He further highlighted the availability of Baby Safe initiatives across the city, which provide safe, anonymous, and legal alternatives for mothers facing crisis pregnancies. These initiatives aim to prevent the abandonment of newborns and reduce cases of concealment.
Witbank SAPS has appealed to community members to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation to Witbank SAPS on 079 891 5570 or 013 655 5052.
Traffic Alert confirmed 13 fatalities in separate crashes across the province on July 18.
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) July 19, 2026
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