An inquest docket is being investigated after a foetus was found in a plastic bag in Wesbank earlier this week.
Police say a man looking for scrap made the discovery, on Appleby Street on Monday afternoon.
“He immediately reported the discovery to the police, who responded, and the foetus was handed to Forensic Pathology Services for analysis and to determine possible origin,” said Western Cape police spokesperson, FC Van Wyk.
Van Wyk added that no arrests had been made at this time.
This discovery comes a few days after the body of a newborn baby was found in a rubbish bin in Bloekombos, in Kraaifontein, last Wednesday, 13 August. Police confirmed that a concealment of birth case had been registered.
READ MORE: Newborn’s body found in bin shocks Kraaifontein community
In July, municipal workers uncovered parts of a foetus at a sewer pump station in Klapmuts, prompting another inquest docket.
READ MORE: Foetus found at Klapmuts sewer station
Juanita Du Preez, spokesperson for the civil rights organisation, Action Society, said these incidents highlight a national crisis. She said urgent government intervention is needed to address a growing crisis.
“To discard a baby in this manner is not only a crime but it is also a tragic reflection of desperation and the breakdown of social support systems… Government and civil society must work together to raise awareness of safe alternatives, to strengthen community support and to ensure accountability.”
She further urged women with unwanted pregnancies to look into all the options available to them.
“Unwanted pregnancies can be overwhelming but abandoning or killing a child can never be the solution. South Africa has safe and legal alternatives for mothers in crisis such as placing babies in the care of designated baby saver facilities, child protection organisations or directly with the Department of Social Development. These options ensure that children are protected and given a chance at life while mothers receive the support that they need,” said Du Preez.
