Grim pattern continues, with body of another baby found in CT

Another grim discovery has been made in a Cape Town community, where a deceased baby was found abandoned.

An infant’s body was found in the Pholile Informal Settlement in Lwandle on Tuesday.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk, officers were alerted to the discovery after 10:00 that morning.

“They immediately went to attend the scene and the members found a naked body laying on its back. They then cordon off the area. Medical personnel were then called to the scene and declared the body deceased.”

This comes just a day after the body of a newborn baby boy was discovered in Parkwood, with his umbilical cord still attached.

Van Wyk notes that the infant’s body was found on Monday morning in a field between Walmer Road and the M5 in Parkwood. The baby was also declared deceased on the scene.

“Upon arrival, members discovered the body of a male infant, with the umbilical cord still attached.”

Police have registered inquest dockets for both cases, which form part of a series of similar discoveries across the metro in recent weeks.

A week prior, two infants were found dead in the same Kraaifontein community within days of each other, on 22 and 24 September.

Advocacy groups such as Ilitha Labantu have voiced alarm, describing the incidents as shocking and calling for urgent interventions to address the crisis.

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson, Siya Monakali, said he is deeply disturbed by these incidents.

“These harrowing reports point to a sad state of affairs in our society where infants are denied the basic right to life. There is no justification for discarding newborn babies in this manner when there are safe alternatives that exist in the province. These are places of care, child protection services and adoption channels designed to assist mothers who are unable or unwilling to care for their children.”

Police have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information on any of these cases to come forward via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or at the police stations in their areas.