The community of Protea Glen Extension 12, Soweto, has been left shaken to its core, gripped by shock, disbelief, and horror.
This after the gruesome discovery of the charred remains of six newborn babies at a dumpsite on Monday morning, 14 July.
The tiny bodies were found partly burnt, wrapped in plastic at an illegal dumpsite.
A resident walking past saw burning plastic bags that looked suspicious. When they got closer, they saw what was inside and quickly called the police.
Police came to the scene and confirmed the heartbreaking news. Six tiny bodies of babies had been dumped and set on fire.
Ward Councillor Phelelani Sindani told Daily Sun he believes the babies were dumped in the early hours of the morning.
“We are saddened by this,” he said.
“This tells us two things: maybe there is an illegal abortion clinic nearby, or someone gave birth elsewhere and dumped the babies here before burning them.”
He also blamed land developers for not looking after empty spaces in the area.
“They promise to build clinics, schools, and libraries. Once they finish building houses, they give the land to the City of Joburg as they don’t want to pay for it,” he said.
“Soon, the land becomes a dumpsite. If developers were held responsible, maybe this could have been avoided.”
He added: “This is not only wrong but also cruel, criminal and heartless.”
Many residents are asking if this has to do with illegal abortion clinics that may be operating secretly.
Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said cops have opened a case of concealment of birth, with six charges.
“A community member called the police after a man looking for scrap metal found what looked like burnt babies,” said Masondo.
“We are asking anyone with information to go to the nearest police station or call CrimeStop on 08600 10111.”
