ZASTRON – A four-day-old baby boy was found alive and unharmed at the doorstep of a household in Zastron. The Free State Department of Health says a handwritten note, reportedly from the mother, indicated she was unaware of the pregnancy and feels unable to provide the care the baby needs.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded swiftly and transported the infant to the Embekweni District Hospital in Zastron, where a full clinical examination found him healthy and stable.

In line with established child-protection protocols, the child has been placed in the care of social workers whilst the appropriate legal and all necessary processes proceed.

The Department commends the household that raised the alarm, the EMS personnel, and the clinical staff at Embekweni Hospital for their prompt, professional and compassionate response.

Call for compassion and support

Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, urged the public to respond with empathy and support. “This appears to be a case of an overwhelmed, unsuspecting mother in crisis. We must meet such situations with compassion rather than judgement. No parent should feel so alone that they resort to unsafe choices. Safe, legal avenues exist to protect both mother and child – including confidential support at our clinics and hospitals, social worker assistance, temporary safe care, and formal adoption processes,” said Mahlatsi.

Mahlatsi further called for strengthened public education on sexual and reproductive health. “We must intensify education and access to services, so that people can prevent unplanned pregnancies, recognise early signs, and receive timely antenatal and psychosocial care. Our health facilities and partners stand ready to help – before, during, and after pregnancy.”

ALSO READ: Community rallies around baby found alive in shopping centre toilet bin 

Legal note and support information

Leaving a child unattended is dangerous and against the law. If you cannot care for a newborn, seek immediate help at a clinic, hospital, police station, or from a registered social worker or child-protection organisation.

Anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy or feeling unable to care for a child can seek confidential help at their nearest clinic or hospital social worker, or through the Department of Social Development.

Childline South Africa offers free, confidential support 24/7 at 116 and you may reach the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) main office line at 011 234 4837 or use their 24-hour helpline at 0800 567 567.

In an emergency, contact EMS at 112 or SAPS at 10111.

The Department urges the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the child and the mother, and to refrain from speculation or sharing identifying information, including photos. The Free State Department of Health will continue to work closely with the Department of Social Development and relevant authorities to ensure the baby’s ongoing safety, says Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health.

ALSO READ: Abandoned newborn baby girl found in a bag in Saldanha over the weekend