GQEBERHA – Police are appealing for information to help trace the mother of a newborn baby boy who was found abandoned in a red shopping bag in Spondo Road, Gqeberha, last month.
According to police, a community member discovered the baby at about 6:30 on Saturday, 22 August, near a local shopping centre.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the baby was found neatly wrapped and dressed in a white and pink fleece top featuring a cartoon figure bearing the name “Sophia”.
According to Janse van Rensburg, a cream and grey double-breasted fleece pea coat and a Big Five pillowcase were also found with the baby.
The newborn was taken to Dora Nginza Hospital for medical treatment and is currently in a place of safety, police said.
A case of child abandonment has been opened at Algoa Park SAPS.
Police said the Gqeberha Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit had conducted investigations and enquiries in the surrounding area, but these had not yielded information that could help detectives identify the person responsible.
The FCS Unit is now appealing to the public for information that could help detectives trace the baby’s mother.
“The SAPS appeals to the community to come forward with any information that may assist in reuniting the child with his family and establishing the circumstances surrounding his abandonment,” said Janse van Rensburg.
Anyone with information is urged to contact FCS Detective Sergeant Jason Kivedo on 078 959 1727.
Information can also be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111, at the nearest police station or anonymously via the MySAPS App.
