The provincial department of health is urging pregnant women and parents who feel unable to care for a child to seek support through clinics, hospitals, social workers and child-protection organisations. A four-day-old baby was found alive and unharmed outside a home in Zastron on Friday (25/9). 

Homeowner Malitaba Jansen heard the infant crying in her yard at about 06:00 and found him outside the door of an outbuilding in George Street, wrapped in a white blanket and wearing a blue beanie.

The boy was taken for medical assessment and has since been placed in the care of social workers. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his abandonment and are appealing for information that could help them locate his mother.

A handwritten note found at the scene reportedly indicated that the mother was unable to care for the child. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, while authorities are appealing for compassion and caution as efforts continue to establish what happened and locate the mother.

“The provincial department of health is relieved that the little boy found in Zastron is safe,” said Free State health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi. “He was examined at Embekweni hospital and is now in the care of social workers.”

Pregnant women who feel frightened or overwhelmed should know that help is available, Mvambi said. He urged them not to leave babies outside, but rather to approach a clinic, speak to a social worker or contact Childline on 116 for confidential assistance and support.

“We don’t know what has happened, but we are all happy that the baby is safe. We urge everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time,” said Mvambi. In an emergency, people can also call 112 for emergency medical services or 10111 for the police.

The circumstances surrounding the incident should be met with compassion rather than judgment, said health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi. The department is also calling for greater education about sexual and reproductive health, including preventing unplanned pregnancies and ensuring access to antenatal care and psychosocial support.

Meanwhile, Zastron police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the baby’s abandonment and are appealing to the community for information that could help locate the mother. Anyone with information can contact the Zastron station commander on 082 467 6284 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Anonymous information can also be submitted through the MySAPS App.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline 066 487 1427.