STEYNSRUS -The newborn baby girl found abandoned in a vandalised house in the Free State town of Steynsrus is recovering well at a place of safety after abandonment ordeal. Exactly one month and 29 days old today, the infant remains at the place of safety since her discovery on 20 July.
Sergeant Josephine Rani, provincial police spokesperson, said the infant’s health has improved significantly following medical treatment and good care. She said police continue with a full search for the mother as part of an investigation into the circumstances.
“The baby girl is alive and in good health. The infant is receiving the necessary care at the place of safety,” she said. Rani said officers found the infant unclothed, wrapped in a red blanket, and left on a bed in the bedroom of the vandalised property. This was after receiving being alert by a community member who made a distressing discovery.
The Kroonstad Police Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit is investigating the matter. Members of the public in the area are requested to assist with information to locate the infant’s mother, who disappeared after abandoning the child in a vandalised house in Edward Street, Steynsrus. “All information received will be treated as strictly confidential,” said Rani.
In mid-February, police arrested a 24-year-old woman from in Qwaqwa in the eastern Free State on a charge of attempted murder after abandoning her baby boy. A shepherd who was tending to grazing cattle discovered the infant left close to a drainage channel in the Riverside location. This was after hearing his cries. Police reported the infant was wrapped in a blue fleece blanket with the umbilical cord still attached.
Anyone with information involving the Steynsrus woman is requested to contact the investigating officer, Detective Constable Tshepang Manyanye, on 072 971 6510, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, anonymous tip-offs can be submitted via the MySAPS App.
