On Monday evening (28/4) at approximately 20:40, a concerned community member discovered the infant behind a rock, cold and fatigued, wrapped in a blanket and dressed in a red t-shirt. Emergency Medical Services were immediately called and swiftly responded to the scene.

The baby was transported to Bloemhof Community Health Centre, where healthcare professionals assessed and stabilised him. According to North West Health spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi, the infant – now temporarily named Orefilwe Lekwa – is in good health and high spirits.

“The child is … in a safe and secure environment allocated by the Department of Social Development following the official handover by the Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District,” Mothibedi confirmed. 

Both the police and the department were informed immediately and have initiated the appropriate legal and care procedures.

Social Development MEC Basetsana Sussana Dantjie praised the swift and coordinated response from all involved parties, including Bloemhof police, Ward 2 Cllr Mapaseka Mongalane, the Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District, and the local Social Development service point. She said their collaborative efforts demonstrated the importance of a responsive and compassionate government in times of crisis.

The newborn was handed to Social Development by the Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District’s staff members. Photo: Screenshot

Authorities are currently attempting to trace the child’s biological parents or relatives. The public is urged to come forward with any information that could help reunite the baby with his family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Department of Social Development through their Facebook page, Lekwa-Teemane Health Sub-District, or by calling 078 302 0075/078 274 0568.

Additionally, those needing support or guidance can reach out to Childline South Africa free of charge by dialling 0800 055 555 or 116 for helplines dedicated to the protection and well-being of children across the country.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg