The charred body of a newborn baby was discovered dumped in Mashobohleng village, Seshego, in what Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has described as a senseless and inhumane crime.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, officers in Seshego, under the Capricorn District, were called to the scene on September 5 at around 15:45, where the charred remains of a two-week-old baby were found.
“On their arrival, they found a small baby, estimated to be two weeks old, discovered by a community member next to a local school in the bushes, burnt beyond recognition,” Ledwaba said.
Commissioner Hadebe strongly condemned the brutal killing and warned that the abandonment of infants, whether alive or deceased, is becoming a growing concern in the province.
“Recent incidents of leaving newborn babies, alive or deceased, are becoming a serious problem in the province. If you give birth to a child and feel unable to care for them, it is advisable to approach the Department of Social Development for advice on adoption rather than resorting to taking an innocent life,” she said.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is urged to contact Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Calvin Magoro at 084 411 8008, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or submit tips via the MySAPSApp.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with officers continuing to gather evidence and follow up on leads.
This tragedy follows a similar case in August, when police in Limpopo investigated the death of a three-month-old baby allegedly choked by a 20-year-old woman, who was later arrested.
Ledwaba said police were called to the scene after two individuals reported that they had been sitting outside with the suspect, who was holding the infant, before she went inside the house and allegedly strangled the child.
“They allegedly found the suspect seated while choking the toddler,” he said.
The witnesses attempted to intervene and rushed the infant to the nearest clinic, but the baby tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Police acted swiftly, opening a murder case and promptly tracing and arresting the 20-year-old suspect, who is a relative of the deceased child.
The Star
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