NATIONAL NEWS - The tragedy of teen pregnancies was highlighted in Sebokeng on Monday, when a newborn baby was found in a plastic bag in a river.

According to the community, it appears that the 19-year-old mom had given birth alone at her family home in Small Farm and hours later, dumped the baby at an abandoned and water-logged bridge construction site in Zone 7.

Thanks to vigilant community members, the infant was found alive and received emergency care.

Residents report that they noticed a young woman acting strangely. After seeing her abandon a plastic bag at the construction site, they went to investigate and found the baby in a shopping bag, floating in the dirty water. 

The bag was fished out with a rake.

Eyewitnesses said that moments before the bag was opened, the whimpers of the naked baby were heard.

Sedibeng Ster visited the scene yesterday to speak to affected community members. One of the residents, Tumelo Tsotetsi, explained that he had taken a break from doing yard work when he saw a young woman ‘roaming around the abandoned project with a sports bag’.

He said when he approached her, she claimed to be on her way to her dad. “She seemed very suspicious, especially because she didn’t look well. I let her pass without further investigation. A neighbour came out and told me she saw her dump a plastic [bag].”

He said when they investigated, they discovered the baby.

The upsetting incident was reported by residents on social media, and soon a crowd of onlookers had gathered at the scene.

Community leader Mandla Dipanyekga said they managed to trace the woman through another resident, after overhearing her say that she knew the teen’s identity.

“We took elders from the community and visited the new mother. We found her visibly shaken and traumatised,” he said.

According to Dipanyekga, they questioned the teenager and then took her to hospital for medical assistance.

“We are glad that we saved two lives, rather than one,” said Tsotetsi, explaining that both baby and mom are receiving the care they need. Community members contributed clothing and formula for the baby.

Evaton police spokesperson Constable Thulisile Msibi says a case of concealment of birth was opened and investigations are underway.

Article: Caxton publication, Sedibengster

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