The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has called Social Development MEC in the province, Nonhlanhla Khoza, to provide answers after a three-month-old baby girl was allegedly dumped by her mother after she could not get help from social workers.
The baby was discovered by a passerby next to a stream in Dawncrest, KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, 3 October with an apology note believed to be written by the mother. The individual then reported the matter to private security, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA).
DA KZN Spokesperson on Social Development, Mmabatho Tembe said the abandonment of yet another baby is telling of a broken system and of particular concern are the contents of the letter in which the child’s mother apologises for her actions, stating that she tried to get help but none was forthcoming.
“The Social Development Department has a responsibility to help citizens in time of need and the mother should have been able to receive assistance.
“The abandonment of her child is an act of sheer desperation and the DA expects the MEC to launch a comprehensive probe into this incident. In the event that the woman’s claims are found to be true then there must be severe consequences.”
Mmabatho Tembe
BACKGROUND: BABY DUMPED IN DAWNCREST WITH APOLOGY NOTE
As previously reported, Reaction Unit SA is still seeking assistance with identifying the baby girl who was dumped with an apology note.
A bag containing nappies, a bottle of milk and a pacifier was reportedly lying next to the child. A note in English believed to be written by the mother was also found.
Baby dumped in KwaZulu-Natal bushes with an apology notehttps://t.co/te9kvOq4lr
— TheSouthAfrican.com (@TheSAnews) October 3, 2022
In the note, the mother asked not to be judged but pleaded for her baby to be helped as she was allegedly failed by social workers.
In the note, the mother explained that she made contact with social workers twice but was let down by the system. She further said said that abortion was not an option as it is no longer safe and hospitals have strict rules.
The writer further requested that authorities be notified when the baby is located.
“The baby girl was then fed with a bottle of milk. Medics examined the infant aged approximately three months and found her to be in good health.
“A criminal case of Child Abandonment will be registered & Reaction Officers will be seeking assistance to identify the child or mother. If any can assist with the identification, kindly contact 086 1234 333 (RUSA).”
Prem Balram
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