Police in Kraaifontein are appealing to people in the area to come forward with any information that could assist in their investigation into the discovery of two new born babies in a drain.

On Sunday, 12 November, residents at an informal settlement in Wallacedene reported that the two babies were discovered in a drain. Police in the area attended the scene to find the victims floating in a pool of water. Warrant Officer Joseph Swart says other policing units were called out to the scene for further assistance.

“The South African Police Service’s Provincial diving unit was called to retrieve the bodies of the new born babies. Both victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. Kraaifontein police registered an inquest for further investigation.”

The police and the Kraaifonten Community Policing Forum (CPF) says those with information should contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Arifa Osman, of the Kraaifontein CPF, says the community is shocked and was horrified at the discovery of the minor victims. She says they continue working close with the police to the bring the suspect, or whoever is involved to book.

“The community, as well as the police are very sad about it. [We’ve] taken it to heart. Hopefully the community will come forward with some sort of information and we can take it from there.”

More than a year ago – while conducting a clean-up operation in Kraaifontein – City of Cape Town staff discovered the body of baby dumped in an illegal dumpsite in Maroela Street. Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Sharna Fernendez, condemned last year’s incident – calling for incidents like these to become legally punishable.

READ MORE: Minister of Social Development denounces baby dumping, urges public to assist