Kraaifontein police are appealing to the community to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation of two newborn babies found in a drain.
On Sunday, 12 November, residents of the informal settlement in Wallacedene alerted the authorities after they discovered the bodies of two babies drifting in a pool of water.
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As reported by Smile FM, warrant officer Joseph Swart said other policing units were called out to the scene for further assistance.
‘The South African Police Service’s provincial diving unit was called to retrieve the bodies of the newborn babies. Both victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. Kraaifontein police registered an inquest for further investigation.’
The police and the Kraaifonten Community Policing Forum (CPF) urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Arifa Osman, a member of the Kraaifontein CPF, expressed the community’s shock at the discovery of the infants. She said they are actively working with the police to bring the suspect or suspects, or anyone else involved in the incident, to justice.
‘The community, as well as the police, are very sad about it. [We’ve] taken it to heart. Hopefully, the community will come forward with some sort of information, and we can take it from there,’ said Osman.
Just over a year ago, the body of a baby was found by the City of Cape Town’s staff during a cleanup operation at an illegal dumpsite on Maroela Street, Kraaifontein.
Western Cape MEC for Social Development Sharna Fernandez condemned last year’s incident and is advocating for such heinous crimes to become legally punishable.
Pregnant women and mothers are strongly encouraged to make use of baby savers or to seek help at health clinics to minimise child abandonment and death.
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