Two infant bodies discovered in the city in the space of a week

THE bodies of two infants have been discovered within a week in separate incidents in the city.

In Island informal settlement, Khayelitsha, a 29-year-old mother was arrested in relation to burying her infant near her shack on Saturday.

The body was discovered by police while they were attending to the scene of a separate crime.

On Tuesday in Samora Machel, Joe Slovo, another decomposed body of an infant was found wrapped in a green plastic bag at what has become a local dumping site.

Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said Samora Machel police were investigating the latest incident.

“According to reports, residents called the station and alerted them about a possible concealment of birth. Investigations into the matter continue,” said Swartbooi.

Samora Machel community leader Xolani Joja said the infant’s body was found by residents after a dog showed interest in the bag.

Joja said a nearby pond and children’s park were dangerous and used as dumping sites.

“There is a pond with reeds and next to it is a vandalised children’s park, and this is what residents use as a dumping area.

“Five years back a body of a man was discovered with stab wounds at the same place.

“We are now concerned about the safety of our people,” said Joja.

“I had a meeting with residents in the area and urged them to stop using the park as a dumping site.

“I will engage with the City to fence the area, including the pond, because this is now becoming a norm that bodies are being dumped.

“I also ... urge (women) to at least take a baby to a social worker or any organisation that deals with unwanted babies or infants.”

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said the organisation was deeply concerned about the increased number of incidents of this nature in townships and informal settlements in the province.

“There are places of care that are willing to take in unwanted infants,” said Monakali.

“Stronger efforts need to be implemented to educate our communities about services that are available and we will assist in situations where there are unwanted infants.

“This will go a long way in preventing the untimely death of another infant.