The discovery was made by a shepherd on Sunday (15/2) afternoon while tending to his grazing cattle. It is alleged he heard a baby crying and quickly traced the sound to the drainage area, where he found the infant wrapped in a blue fleece blanket.

The police and emergency services were called to the scene. The baby was rushed to a local hospital for further medical treatment, as the umbilical cord was still attached.

“The baby is receiving treatment, and his condition is stable,” said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring. “The identity of the biological mother or suspect is currently unknown.”

“The matter has been referred to the Phuthaditjhaba family, child protection, and sexual offences unit for further investigation on a charge of attempted murder.”

Police urge anyone with information to contact Lt. Col. Jwalane Rasunyane of Phuthaditjhaba family, child protection, and sexual offences unit on 079 890 0383 or to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. “All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.”

Meanwhile, a Theunissen mother, 25, who allegedly left her newborn baby boy under a tree near a hiking spot on the R30, is due back in the Theunissen Magistrate’s Court soon to face charges of attempted murder.

In December, two cousins were reportedly walking there when they were approached by a passerby about a baby lying under a tree.

The two men investigated and found a baby boy who appeared to be only a few days old. The baby was wearing a beige baby grow with a grey baby hat, and was wrapped in a grey-coloured baby fleece blanket with white dots.

They took the baby to their home for safety and immediately notified the Theunissen police and emergency medical services as heavy rain was approaching.

Every year, more than 10,000 babies are abandoned in South Africa, of whom the vast majority are found dead, according to Baby Savers South Africa, a national coalition of organisations working to put an end to unsafe infant abandonment.

“We encourage mothers who feel unfit to care for their babies to leave them at healthcare facilities and with organisations like Door of Hope Childrens’ Missions, instead of resorting to unsafe abandonment,” said Baby Savers director and cofounder Nadine Grabham.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg