Baby Rescued from Stormwater Drain
A 32-year-old woman faces charges for allegedly abandoning her newborn baby at a stormwater drain inlet in Verulam, located north of Durban. Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) members arrested the woman after she fled the scene following the incident. The baby, found hours earlier, was rescued by a RUSA officer during a bike patrol.
A Quick Rescue Effort
The RUSA found the newborn, wrapped in a black bin bag, near a stormwater drain on Wick Street. The officer, Chris Pillay, noticed the bag stuck near the drain’s manhole, just meters away from a dangerous drop. After rescuing the infant, Pillay immediately called for assistance. Paramedics arrived and transported the child to Osindisweni Government Hospital, where she was treated.
Tips and Investigation Lead to Arrest
RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram explained that the unit received a tip from a medical facility. The tipster claimed the baby resembled one recently delivered via cesarean section. This information led officers to track down the mother, who had fled the scene in an apparent attempt to leave the country.
Mother’s Background and Alleged Motive
The woman, originally from Maseru, Lesotho, moved to South Africa in 2022 seeking employment. She was working as a machinist at a textile business when she became pregnant. According to Balram, her boyfriend disputed paternity and accused her of having multiple partners. The woman’s estranged partner reportedly cut off communication after the baby’s birth, and she allegedly decided to abandon the child.
Authorities discovered the mother’s identity and traced her to Hazelmere, where she was found in possession of a passport in a friend’s name and the baby’s hospital tag. Police confirmed she had entered South Africa illegally.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The woman faces serious charges for abandoning her baby in a stormwater drain. She is expected to appear in court soon. The case has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the impact of social challenges, such as domestic issues and illegal immigration, on vulnerable individuals.
A Community in Shock
This tragic event has left the local community reeling. It highlights the ongoing issues surrounding illegal immigration, family breakdowns, and the protection of vulnerable children. RUSA’s swift actions helped save the child, but the consequences for the mother are far from over.
See also:Â Justice for Emaan: Court Convict Gang Members for Murder.
