The cry of a one-month-old baby abandoned in a wheelie-bin in Russel Street, Paglande, this past Monday was heard and has given him a second chance at life.
The baby boy was discovered by a witness in a white plastic bag inside the dustbin, fighting for dear life.
In the meantime, a woman was arrested on Tuesday regarding the abandonment, and she will appear in court today (3 March) on charges of child neglect.
“The witness untied the plastic bag, rescued the baby and called the police,” says warrant officer Vathiswa Jacobs, spokesperson of the Worcester police.
She further says that when police arrived on the scene, the baby boy was still alive and ER24 personnel took him to hospital for a medical check up.
In the Western Cape, altogether 97 children were abandoned over the past nearly three years. It is important to note that not all of these abandonments are necessarily babies abandoned, for example, left on a field or in bins. These figures also include children abandoned by alternate caregivers such as grandparents and foster parents.
Sharna Fernandez, Western Cape minister of Social Development, condemned baby dumpings in a statement released on Tuesday.
Against the backdrop of recent reports of babies being dumped, Fernandez wishes to alert the public that “dumping” a baby is a criminal offence.
“We understand that often the circumstances which lead to mothers dumping their babies can be complex, however, it is illegal. We appeal to all expectant mothers who are unable to take care of their babies to seek assistance either at any clinic or to approach their nearest Department of Social Development (DSD) local office or a child designated non-profit organisation (NPO) to speak to a social worker who may be able to assist with information about options suitable to the individual’s circumstances,” said Fernandez.
When a case of child abandonment is reported to a child protection organisation, the child protection protocol is activated and the matter is assigned to a designated social worker for further investigation. This would include conducting a safety and risk assessment of the abandoned baby as well as their placement into temporary safe care, pending further statutory processes.
How can the public help?
The department is always looking to recruit safety parents to look after children/babies that are in need of temporary safe care. Furthermore, temporary safe care is an emergency measure that can be used by social workers or police officials where they believe, on reasonable grounds, that the child is in immediate danger.
The child will then be placed with safety parents in temporary safe care, where they’ll stay pending the outcome of a formal court process.
Safety parents serve as a critical measure to widening the safety net of protection. In this regard, those who meet the criteria may apply to become safety parents. This can be done at any Social Development office, where staff will explain the process and requirements.
Should a person find an abandoned baby, it is advised that they contact the police or the DSD immediately.
“I would like to appeal for people to sign up as safety parents. We have seen an increased need for child protection services. This is a great way for community members to partner with us and be part of protecting our children,” said Fernandez.
For more information on services and supporting NGOs call the
Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250 or the
Gender-based Violence Command Center on 0800 428 428 or the p
olice on 10111 or
Childline on 116.
