SAVE OUR BABIES

A TRAGIC and horrifying trend has hit the Cape over the last few weeks where the bodies of babies have been found dumped in various communities in the metropole.

Six disturbing cases where babies were left for dead were so far reported in just under a month.

The most recent incident took place on 8 October when another pre-term foetus was found discarded in Central Park, Muizenberg.

This comes after a shocking five babies were found dumped in the month of September alone, which is about one baby every week.

These are criminal acts under the South African Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992 and authorities have yet to make a breakthrough in arrests. According to the law, foetuses over 26 weeks are required to be buried.  

Minister for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais said that finding the perpetrators poses extreme challenges.

Marais explained: “In the majority of cases, identifying and apprehending the mother is extremely difficult. 

“Often, the babies are found in isolated areas without eyewitnesses, no CCTV footage, and no immediate leads, which makes it very difficult to trace the person.

“In most cases, mothers who abandon their babies are very discreet when doing so. Members of the public are often best placed to notice signs of a concealed pregnancy, distress in someone close to them, or suspicious behaviour following the birth of a child.

“I urge communities to be vigilant and to come forward with information that may assist the police with their investigations.”

Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labantu said there is absolutely no justification for dumping a newborn child.

Monakali stated: “Ilitha Labantu is deeply concerned about the growing reports of newborn babies being dumped across the Western Cape. This shocking and heartbreaking trend cannot be justified under any circumstance. 

“Regardless of one’s personal or socio-economic situation, abandoning an infant is an act that places a defenseless child’s life at grave risk.

“There are established procedures and systems in place for parents who are unable or unwilling to care for their newborns. 

“Babies can be lawfully and safely surrendered to designated places of safety, hospitals, police stations, or registered child protection organisations where they will receive the care and protection they deserve. 

“These mechanisms exist precisely to prevent the loss of innocent lives and to uphold the rights of children as enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution and the Children’s Act.”

Experts believe that women act out of desperation. Some are victims of rape and have no one to turn to for help. 

Lucinda Evans, Founder and Director of Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women and Children’s Programme and Director of Phillisa Abafazi Baby Saver and Phillisa Abafazi Emergency Children Safe House, offered hope to women who have suffered this trauma.

Evans told the Daily Voice: “In our work, we understand that women are raped and gang-raped and they have these pregnancies. 

“Most times they find out when it is too late. So we have seen the scourge of baby dumping and we have seen the horror of babies being dumped with their umbilical cord. 

“Baby savers are devices that save the lives of a woman and her child. Baby savers can be used when a woman doesn’t have an option and she will be able to go into a shelter and find her baby and be reunited with her baby again.”

The Department of Social Development (DSD) in the Western Cape urged struggling mothers to come contact them for help and support.

According to the DSD they have received 28 reports of child abandonment in the first quarter (April-June) of this year. 

Included in the figure are minors of different ages whose parents abandoned them with other family members, siblings, or left them by themselves.

DSD spokesperson Monique Mortlock said that for the department or a Designated Child Protection Organisation to step in, the child must be found alive.

She added: “DSD only handles reports of babies or children being abandoned. There are various factors that may lead to a baby being abandoned, such as unwanted pregnancy and mental health challenges. 

“The department has various support services in place to support mothers, such as counselling at local DSD offices. We encourage those who are struggling to reach out for help at a DSD local office, or by contacting the tollfree number 0800 220 250.”

Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt added: “Support services are available at public health facilities, as well as local DSD offices, and NPOs in the child protection sector for those who need support following the birth of a baby. 

“This includes counseling, family planning services, and information about alternative options. 

“We encourage anyone who may be suffering from mental health challenges and does not feel in a position to care for their children to reach out to their nearest DSD office where these options can be discussed. 

“If a member of the public comes across an abandoned baby, they should alert the nearest SAPS office, or DSD office. 

“When a case of child abandonment is reported to DSD or a child protection organisation, the child protection protocol is activated, and the matter is assigned to a designated child protection social worker for further investigation. 

“This would include completing a Form 22 and conducting a safety and risk assessment of the abandoned baby as well as their placement into temporary safe care, pending further statutory processes.”