Police have launched an urgent investigation after the body of a newborn baby was discovered in a rubbish bin in Kraaifontein on Wednesday morning. 

The grim discovery was made in Zono Street, Bloekombos, at around 08:30.  

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the circumstances surrounding the incident is under investigation, as officers try to establish how the baby ended up in the bin and who was responsible. 

Authorities have confirmed that a concealment of birth case has been registered. No arrests have been made. 

Police have appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.

Cases of newborn abandonment remain a pressing concern in South Africa.

In 2023, when speaking to SmileFM, the founder of Miracle Kidz Safe House, Elsie Du Plessis, warned that many incidents are driven by desperation, poverty, and a lack of access to support for expectant mothers. At the time, the organisation stressed the importance of creating awareness around safe and legal alternatives, such as designated baby safes where infants can be anonymously and safely surrendered.