Sydenham SAPS rescues two abandoned babies
Both babies were found at the Palmiet Road Informal Settlement recently.
TWO abandoned babies were found by Sydenham SAPS B Relief team at the Palmiet Road Informal Settlement recently.
SAPS are appealing to the community to share information that could help them find the families involved.
According to Captain Carmen Rhynes from SAPS Ethekwini District Communication, the first baby boy was found on 24 May at 22:00 and another baby boy was found wrapped in a blanket on 18 June in the settlement.
Rhynes said both babies were taken to King Dinizulu Hospital for medical evaluation.
“Child abandonment is when the mother relinquishes her interest and claim over her baby or child in an illegal way with the intent of never resuming or reasserting guardianship. It is against the law and the mother can be arrested,” said Rhynes.
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Rhynes said sergeant PS Jili and constable LC Meyeza discovered the first baby in May and constable VA Mtambo and sergeant IS Khumalo attended to the baby abandonment in June.
“Cases of child abandonment have been opened. We are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the whereabouts or identities of the two mothers,” said Rhynes.
Colonel Ruth De Villiers, the station commander of Sydenham SAPS said: “I am proud of my members of “B” Relief who have clearly shown they have big hearts and are committed to serving Sydenham community.”
To share information, contact warrant officer TC Mzila on 073 231 7883.
Reaching out for help
Rhynes urged mothers considering abandonment to contact a social worker for assistance.
“I appeal to women feeling alone and considering abandoning their baby to rather seek assistance and support services in ensuring a good plan for their baby is met and that birth mothers are made more aware that can assist them during these difficult times. There is Child Welfare, Life Line and Famsa to assist them with counselling and alternative arrangements,” she said.
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Poverty and family conflict contribute to baby abandonment, said Rhynes.
“The prevalence of baby abandonment in our society is a reflection of the very stressful social circumstances in which so many find themselves. Too often families carry a high burden of illness and bereavement as well as unemployment, lack of housing and poverty. These circumstance are further aggravated by other social problems such as family conflict, family violence and substance abuse and so forth,” she added.
For more information, call Child Welfare Durban and District on 031 312 9313 or email: info@cwdd.org.za.
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