Dead newborn found in garbage bag

A body of a newborn baby was found in a garbage bag by Sol Plaatje Municipal workers while collecting refuse in Southey Street. Picture: Danie van der Lith

A body of a newborn baby was found in a garbage bag by Sol Plaatje Municipal workers while collecting refuse in Southey Street. Picture: Danie van der Lith

Published May 31, 2016

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Kimberley - Sol Plaatje municipal employees on Monday morning made a gruesome discovery when they found the body of a newborn baby in a refuse bag while collecting refuse in Southey Street in the Kimberley CBD.

According to the workers, the bag was amongst other rubbish bags which were left for collection on the corner at the De Wall building.

They said the baby was inside a foam cooler box which had been placed inside a brown carton box which was sealed with tape and placed inside the black bag.

One of the workers said they opened the box and saw the baby lying inside.

“We saw the box inside the bag and opened it because we had to see whether there were glass bottles inside before we put the refuse in the truck. Upon tearing the tape, I saw that it was a dead baby boy. I could see that it was a fully developed baby and not a foetus.

“The baby looked like it had been born earlier and still had traces of blood from after the birth on him. I called the rest of the workers and we notified the municipal offices and the police,” said the worker.

A worker at the flats said that they had seen blood droplets but did not pay any attention to it.

“I brought the bags down to the corner for collection. I saw droplets of blood on the pavement but thought it was someone who had a nose bleed. I left all the bags at the corner for collection. I was later shocked when I heard that a dead baby was found inside one of the bags as I never even suspected that there could be a body inside one of the bags,” he said.

Municipal spokesman, Sello Matsie, condemned the incident and the community’s behaviour afterwards.

“Our municipal workers informed us that they discovered a dead baby after they saw blood coming from one of the refuse bags. We condemn the incident, especially since it occurred during Child Protection Week. We urge anyone who may want to follow the same route to approach organisations and clinics for assistance.

“We also condemn the insensitive manner in which the public handled the matter. Upon our arrival, there were members of the public at the scene who took pictures of the dead baby. We heard that some of these pictures are already being circulated on social media…only a callous person would distribute such pictures as they lack empathy. No religion would condone that behaviour,” he said.

Police spokesman, Lieutenant Olebogeng Tawana, said no one has been arrested in connection with the incident.

“We are investigating a case of birth concealment after a newborn baby’s body was found in a refuse bag in Kimberley.

“On Monday, May 30 2016, at about 11am, Sol Plaatje Municipality employees alerted the police following the gruesome discovery in Southey Street, Kimberley. The municipal employees were collecting refuse when they came across a black refuse bag that was dripping blood. They opened it and discovered a newborn baby’s body. At this stage no one has been arrested and the investigation continues.

“We appeal to any person with information that may assist us with the investigation to contact Warrant Officer Pat Dibebe on 082 752 2577,” Tawana said.

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