A SHOCKING discovery was made on Monday morning when an abandoned baby was found dumped in a river in Bridgetown.
The babatjie was discovered around 8.45am in Blackriver by a member of the public who found the body while cleaning the river.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that an inquest has been registered for investigation at Athlone police station.
Van Wyk reported: “Athlone police registered an inquest following the discovery of a foetus on Monday, 8 December at about 8.45am in Black River in Bridgetown, Athlone.
“According to reports, a member of the public was busy working at the mentioned address next to the N2, cleaning the river when they found a foetus in the river.”
Crime organisation, Fight Against Crime South Africa released a statement regarding this disturbing incident saying that the dumping of babies has become a frequent occurrence with the recent trend of babies dumped in dams.
The statement reads: “We need to confront a reality that has become too frequent, too shocking, and too painful for any society with a conscience to ignore.
“Almost every week another newborn is found abandoned. In bushes, in bins, wrapped in blankets, and most recently floating in a dam.
“This is not ‘a crisis’, this is a moral collapse. To carry a child for months and then discard that life like refuse is beyond heartbreaking. It is brutality disguised as desperation.
“A newborn is not trash. A newborn is not a problem to hide. A newborn is a human life.
“No matter the circumstances, ending that life in this way is not an excuse. It is a crime.”
The organisation said there are other options if the parents are unable or unwilling to care for a baby, such as adoption agencies, social workers, hospitals, religious or community leaders and safe surrender services.
“Seek help. Ask for help. There is help. We need our elders, families, neighbours and community structures to step up, watch over young mothers, and intervene long before a tragedy happens. Dumping babies cannot be allowed to become normal in South Africa.
“We refuse to accept it and as a community, we must do better.”
Police are appealing to anyone with any information about this incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.