A scrap collector in Hammonds Farm stumbled upon a gruesome sight when he discovered the remains of a recently delivered baby on Wednesday, 31 July.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) was contacted for assistance and on arrival, met with the scrap collector who led them down a steep embankment. Prem Balram, head of RUSA, said that the newborn child was found in a white packet.
“Her umbilical cord and placenta were still attached,” said Balram.
He said the scrap collector informed the security officers that he was searching for items of value when he discovered a black refuse bag.
“He opened the bag and found a white packet covered in blood. He assumed that it was meat and was in the process of leaving with it when he decided to open the bag. He fled to a nearby residence and requested that the homeowner contact RUSA for assistance. Reaction officers discovered blood-stained diapers, toilet paper, and a T-shirt in the black refuse bag. Residents of the housing complex utilise the location to discard their household refuse,” said Balram.
Constable Bongiwe Ngcobo, communications officer at the SAPS Verulam, said: “A case of concealment of birth was opened at the SAPS Verulam. A 21-year-old suspect was arrested and appeared in Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 1 August, she has been released on bail.”
