Mother cleared of ‘desertion’

A TEENAGE mother, arrested a week after her two-year-old son was found abandoned, walked out of court a free woman yesterday after charges against her were withdrawn.

The 18-year-old returned home to Marikana informal settlement after handing herself over to police on Tuesday, after the toddler was found in a Philippi East mall.

“She appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, where it was determined that not enough evidence was gathered to warrant a child abandonment charge.

“The charge was withdrawn,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Eric Ntabazalila.

The Portfolio Committee on Social Development was shocked yesterday.

“While the committee notes reports that the mother of the child is unemployed and a single parent who stays with siblings of her own age in the same house, the committee condemns the irresponsible act of dumping the child,” said chairwoman Zoleka Capa.

The committee has called on parents experiencing difficulty to visit the Department of Social Development.

In a separate case, police are on the lookout for the parents of a 17-month-old abandoned at a house in Coller Road, Steenberg.

Police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana said an unknown woman came to the home asking for water. “The owner went to get the water and the lady was standing in front of the door carrying the baby.

“The owner came back and the mother was gone. A baby boy in a white top, covered with a towel, was on the floor.

“Next to the boy was a plastic bag with a milk bottle and a clinic card,” she said.

Rwexana said that the baby’s name and address were recorded on the card as Arodi Kasanji from at The Beaches, Chad Road in Retreat. She said baby Arodi was being kept at place of safety.

Police have appealed to the public to find the parents, and to contact Heinrich Witbooi on 021 702 9000, Crime Stop confidentially on 08600 10111, or SMS Crime Line 32211.

Not enough evidence was gathered for the charge