Samora Machel residents made a shocking discovery yesterday when a stray dog digging at a dumping site pulled out the body of a baby from the rubbish near the R300.
According to community activist, Xolani Joja, the dog was spotted by a passerby busy chewing on the baby.
He says the baby’s tiny body was stuffed inside a plastic bag and the dog was violently tearing it up.
“The lady shouted in shock and we all went to see what was happening. I could not believe my eyes,” he says.
“A full-term baby was stuffed in a plastic bag and abandoned behind a broken wall where people dump their litter.
“It is disturbing because this is not the first time that we find a newborn dumped and we discussed this as a community.
“I blame both the mom and us, the residents, for creating a convenient spot for such heartless behaviour. If we could stop dumping litter at that spot these people wouldn’t find it easy to commit such a sin in our neighbourhood.
"We’re shocked and want to say to these women, especially young girls, there are options you could consider if you do not want the pregnancy or the baby.
“You do not have to kill an innocent person.
“We are going to work with police to identify whoever is responsible.
Xolani adds: “Ladies seek help, there are social workers trained to handle these situations, use their service and rather give away the baby.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swaartbooi says Samora Machel police opened an inquest case for investigation with no arrests yet.
nomzamo.yuku@inl.co.za