‘Depression a factor’ in baby’s dumping
THE attorney defending the Newlands East, in Durban, woman accused of dumping her baby in a stormwater drain said he strongly suspected that “prenatal and postnatal depression” would feature in the case.
Attorney Jacques Botha was speaking at the bail application for his 32-year-old client in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The woman – who is not being named to protect the identities of her children – was granted bail of R5 000 yesterday, which was not opposed by the State.
The three-hour rescue of the woman’s baby from a stormwater drain by paramedics and other emergency services made headlines earlier this month.
Botha told the court that while he was not competent to give a medical report or opinion, the nature of the crime suggested there was a serious underlying issue.
“I think it is almost overwhelming, at this stage, that clearly a mother doesn’t do this unless there is an underlying problem.
“The nature of this case and instructions from family render it more than likely that pre- and postnatal depression are going to play a significant role in this matter at some stage,” Botha said.
Prosecutor Seema Reddy did not oppose bail for the accused.
However, she said the woman should not have any contact with the baby.
Reddy said she should have no interaction with her other children, one a nine year old and the other 15, without a social worker’s knowledge or approval.
The woman was arrested in hospital last week where she remained under police guard until she was transferred to prison.
The case has been postponed until April 8 for further investigation, which includes outstanding DNA evidence.