A horrifying discovery has left the Mabolela Village community in QwaQwa, Free State, shaken and afraid.
On Wednesday, 27 August, residents found a newborn baby’s lifeless body.
The upper part of the tiny body had been allegedly eaten by dogs.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the lower half of the infant’s body was found dumped in a donga.
“The upper body could not be located, and it is suspected that it may have been mauled by dogs.
“A case of concealment of birth has been opened, and investigations are continuing. Anyone with information that may assist in tracing the suspect is urged to contact the nearest police station,” he said.
The incident has left residents heartbroken and seeking answers.
Ward 28 Councillor Marry Crocket raised her concern about the traumatic impact of the abandoned infant’s discovery in the village.
“The whole village is traumatised. We are in the process of requesting social workers to provide psychosocial support. We hope the suspect will be brought to justice.”
Crocket further revealed that, according to their observations, the suspect had given birth alone and dumped the infant in the bushes.
“According to what we noticed, the suspect gave birth by herself and dumped the infant in the bushes.”
The gruesome discovery of the infant’s body was made by a local shepherd who stumbled upon the horrific scene.
The shepherd noticed dogs feeding on what looked like human remains, prompting him to investigate further, until he encountered the fate of the newborn baby.
The Sefora Ntombela Foundation has condemned the incident and demands that authorities employ all necessary resources to apprehend the perpetrator and bring her to justice.
The foundation’s chairwoman Sisi Ntombela said it’s disheartening to see women discarding their babies while the country is commemorating women.
“It’s an embarrassment that in a month when we celebrate the strength and resilience of women, some are still resorting to such inhumane acts. We need to protect our kids, not harm them.”
Ntombela calls on the police to leave no stone unturned in investigating this case and ensuring that the perpetrator faces the full might of the law.
“We also urge communities to support vulnerable women and girls, providing them with the necessary resources and care to prevent such tragedies.”
“Every child deserves love, care, and protection. We must work together to create a society that values and safeguards the well-being of all its members,” she said.
