The Manenberg community has been left shocked after a newborn baby was found dead on a patch of grass on the walkway near the corner of Orion and Turfhall roads earlier this week, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the tragic discovery was made on Tuesday afternoon, 24 June 2025, after local residents alerted Manenberg police.
‘Upon arrival at the crime scene near the corners of Orion and Turfhall Road, they found the body of an unidentified baby on a grass patch of the walkway,’ said Swartbooi.
Manenberg SAPS Station Commander Brigadier Jayce Naidoo told IOL that the umbilical cord was still attached at the time of discovery.
An inquest docket was subsequently opened. The identity of the child remains unknown, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
‘The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation,’ added Swartbooi.
‘We appeal to anyone with information to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or, alternatively, use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.’
As news of the incident spread on social media, many expressed outrage and sorrow at the loss of such a young life, adding that there are several organisations in the area that allow struggling mothers to safely and anonymously leave their child inside the facility with no questions asked and no strings attached.
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Picture: WAAR Brandit INNI DELFT / Facebook
