Mangaung teenager abandons newborn in hospital
IOL reported that provincial spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the baby was found abandoned in one of the empty wards at a hospital in Mangaung.
DISCOVERY OF INFANT
Kareli said that on Tuesday, 30 October 2024, around 2 PM, a social worker was walking through the neonatal ward when she bumped into a newborn baby boy in one of the empty wards.
“It was discovered that the child belongs to a 16-year-old mother who gave birth and was discharged on the same day,” said Kareli.
He added that the Mangaung police were summoned to the scene and a case of child neglect was opened for investigation.
Insider Chronicle mentioned that the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit has taken over the investigation, led by Sergeant Nthabiseng Ranthako. Efforts to trace the mother were unsuccessful, as police were unable to confirm her whereabouts.
TWO CASES OF INFANTS FOUNDABANDONED IN KZN
On Monday morning, Insider Chronicle reported that emergency services were called to JB Marks Road in Glenwood, Durban, where a foetus was found in a bin by people searching through trash. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed the foetus was declared dead at the scene.
Another incident involves a newborn baby boy, with the umbilical cord still attached to the body, discovered in a bush along Bulbul Drive in Silverglen, Chatsworth. The paramedics tried to save the baby but found no signs of life.
ABANDONING A CHILD MIGHT PUT YOU IN HOT WATER
According to Swisherpost, abandoning a child in South Africa can lead to severe legal consequences.
Child neglect is a criminal offence under the Children’s Act of 2005, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
In a media statement, the saps.org are appealing to anyone who might have information about the case to come forward.
“Anyone who might assist the police in the investigation is requested to contact Sergeant Ranthako on 0764567717. Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities through the MySAPS App or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” the Mangaung police said in a statement.
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