JMPD urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to authorities.
An infant was found alive in a Diepsloot pit latrine on Saturday, 18 January, after a community member reported the alarming situation to the authorities.
According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, officers responded to the scene in Extension 11 after receiving a call from a member of the public.
WATCH: JMPD at the scene
Media Statement
19 January 2025
INFANT FOUND IN PIT LATRINE EXT 11, DIEPSLOOT
On Saturday 18 January 2025, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Officers responded to a call from a member of the public regarding an infant found in a ventilated improved pit latrine… pic.twitter.com/oXc3Ohk64K
— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) January 19, 2025
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Mother and child reunited
JMPD says the infant was found “found in a ventilated improved pit latrine”.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the officers, together with the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), encountered a gathering of residents who directed them to a young woman, approximately 19 years old, suspected of discarding the newborn in the latrine,” stated JMPD.
Officers interviewed the woman, who then admitted to having placed the infant in the latrine.
“Subsequently, the mother and child were transported to a local clinic for medical evaluation and then transferred to Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital for further care,” Fihla added.
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Investigations
The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities.
“The JMPD would like to express its sincere gratitude to the community members who promptly reported this matter to the police,” said Fihla.
JMPD urges the public to remain vigilant and report any criminal activity or suspicious behaviour to the authorities.
“Community cooperation is crucial in combating crime and ensuring the safety of our residents.”
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Appeal to stop abandoning babies
Earlier this month, parents were urged to hand over their unwanted babies to the police or leave them at healthcare facilities instead of dumping them anywhere.
This followed the increase in the number of babies that are being abandoned throughout the country, especially in the Eastern Cape.
From March to December 2024, a total of 39 babies in the Eastern Cape were dumped, and only 36 of the cases were formally recorded.
Speaking to The Citizen, Eastern Cape social development MEC Bukiwe Fanta’s spokesperson, Mphumzi Zuzile said that parents must do the right thing by taking their children to the police or medical facility.
“They must feel free because no one will arrest them as they will be assisted by social workers, but if they decide to dump them then that is where there will be a problem because the police will arrest them.
“They must feel free because no one will arrest them as they will be assisted by social workers, but if they decide to dump them then that is where there will be a problem because the police will arrest them,” Zuzile said.
Additional reporting by Masoka Dube
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