The Kraaifontein community has been left shocked and heartbroken following the discovery of two deceased newborn baby girls in separate incidents within days of each other.
This despite a facility in Kraaifontein where women can surrender unwanted babies anonymously.
According to police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg, the most recent incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday 24 September when the body of a newborn girl was found in a sewerage drain in the Vosho informal settlement, located on Maroela Road in Wallacedene.
“Kraaifontein police have opened a case of concealment of birth after officers responded to the scene at around 09:27,” said Twigg.
“Medical personnel declared the baby deceased on the scene after she was discovered in the drain.”
This tragic discovery came just two days after a similar incident on Monday 22 September, when a passer-by found the body of another newborn girl in Belmont Park.
The baby was reportedly found with the placenta and umbilical cord still attached.
Twigg confirmed that police had opened an inquest docket in the first case, and that the infant was also declared dead on the scene by emergency services.
At this stage, no arrests have been made, and police are continuing investigations into both incidents to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths.
Choose life
The Open Arms of Hope baby saver, located at Lofdal Church in Bloekombos, operates 24/7, providing a safe and anonymous option for mothers in crisis to leave their babies without fear of judgment or prosecution.
Karin Senekal, who leads the initiative, says the organisation plans to relocate the baby saver deeper into the community to reach more women facing crisis pregnancies.
“Awareness is key for these women,” she explains. “Many don’t know that help is available.”
In addition to the baby saver, the organisation also offers counselling and support for women dealing with crisis pregnancies.
Senekal highlights that many baby abandonments are linked to late-term medical abortions.
“The abortion pill induces labour, so babies in the later stages of gestation are often born alive.
“These overwhelmed mothers, unprepared for the reality, may then abandon the baby.”
She describes the typical profile of these women as those who conceal their pregnancies—often due to trauma such as rape or incest—leaving family and friends unaware of their situation.
“These women are driven by desperation, and sadly, that desperation can cost a life.”
Senekal urges any woman facing a crisis pregnancy to seek support rather than suffer in silence.
For help and counselling, contact: Karin Senekal on 082 862 4457 or Nichie Stonall at 082 593 0417.
