Another newborn baby dumped in dustbin

ANOTHER baby was found dumped in a dustbin in central Durban at the weekend.

This comes after several babies were found in dustbins last year across Durban, including two foetuses, believed to be twins, who were dumped with refuse in Lynne Avenue in Glenashley during the festive period.

Shawn Herbst, Netcare 911 spokesperson said the foetus was assessed on scene by an Emergency Care practitioner and officially declared dead.

Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that a case of concealment of birth was being investigated by Durban Central SAPS.

“It is alleged that yesterday (Saturday) at 6:45pm, a foetus believed to be 5 months old was found dumped in a dustbin at Victoria and Queen Street,” said Gwala.

Adeshini Naicker, acting director of Childline, said very often young mothers find themselves alone and without support when faced with an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy.

“Added to this is the financial and emotional responsibility of a new baby,” said

Naicker.

She said that due to this these women often abandon their babies in public areas.

“This method saves them from having to explain to families and authorities,” Naicker said.

Meanwhile, police are searching for the parents of a 1-week-old baby who was found in Embo next to the railway line in December.

The baby was found by a passerby who heard it crying in the bushes.

The Pinetown Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is appealing to the community of Hillcrest and surrounding areas for assistance in locating the parents.

Naicker said most women who abandon their babies are not aware that there are other options.

She said organisations such as Door of Hope in Durban North and Isaiah 54 on the Bluff cater specifically to newborn babies.

Door of Hope has “baby bins” where mothers can leave their babies anonymously.

Childline KZN – toll free number 0800 055 555 – has trained counsellors who also assist these mothers with information.