Tragic trend: Four infants abandoned in Cape Town within a month
Community in shock as newborn baby boy is found abandoned in Parkwood.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Four babies have been dumped in just a month in Cape Town, with two in the past week shedding the light on this cruel and horrific crime as accountability hangs in the balance.
The latest is that of an incident in Parkwood where the body of a newborn male was discovered on an open field along Walmer Road and the M5 on Monday with the umbilical cord still attached.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk explained: “On September 29 2025, at approximately 7.20am, Grassy Park police members responded to a complaint regarding a baby laying in a field between Walmer Road and the M5. Upon arrival, members discovered the body of a male infant, with the umbilical cord still attached.
“The baby was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
“An inquest docket has been registered at Grassy Park SAPS for further investigation."
Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) also made an appeal, calling on residents to inform police if they suspected a woman of dumping her baby following a pregnancy.
“Please if you know of someone, visit the police station and make a statement,” the CPF said.
A week ago, two baby girls were found dead in Wallacedene within a week
The first baby was found by a passer-by on September 22, and the second was discovered in a sewerage drain in Vosho informal settlement on September 24.
No arrests have been made in the cases.
The body of a newborn baby was found along the M5.
Image: Supplied
In August, Kraaifontein residents were horrified after finding a dead baby in a bin in Zono Street and a concealment of birth case was registered for investigation.
This follows a fifth case in June where a newborn baby girl’s body was found with the umbilical cord still attached in Manenberg.
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) told Cape Argus there were various support services in place to support mothers.
"This includes counseling, family planning services, and information about alternative options. We encourage anyone who may be suffering from mental health challenges and does not feel in a position to care for their children to reach out to their nearest DSD office where these options can be discussed," it said.
“If a member of the public comes across an abandoned baby, they should alert the nearest SAPS office, or DSD office."
Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labantu, an organisation which advocates for the rights of women and children said they were disturbed by the spate of infant bodies discovered across the City.
“The rising number of cases highlights not only individual acts of neglect but also systemic failures,” he stated.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus