Outrage and calls for justice after burnt infant discovered at Brighton Beach
Outrage, heartbreak and a desperate call for justice have erupted following the gruesome discovery of a deceased infant, found burnt in Brighton Beach, Bluff. The shocking incident has not only prompted a police inquest but has also ignited profound outrage from local leaders and child welfare organisations.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “Police in Brighton Beach have opened an inquest following the discovery of a newborn baby on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
“The report indicates that the infant was found wrapped in a towel that was burned.”
ALS Paramedics Medical Services spokesperson Garrith Jamieson reported a “horrific crime scene” at Brighton Beach near the braai area, where a deceased infant was found burnt in the bushes.
Jamieson said that after 2pm, paramedics and the South African Police Service responded to the scene after a passerby made the discovery.
“Paramedics assessed the infant and found that the young baby had sustained extensive injuries, including burns, and unfortunately had passed away. The infant was declared deceased on the scene,” Jamieson said.
“Unfortunately, we cannot confirm the sex of the infant.”
Ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon said she and the community reacted with “horror and disgust and a call for justice, and the person who killed the baby to be brought to book. Also, we have a baby saver less than 4km away. If this is a case of unwanted birth, there is help available”.
She said there are no reports of whether the infant or the infant’s family could be from the Bluff area.
“The infant looked close to newborn, but only forensics can determine the age and cause of death. The corpse was definitely burnt in parts,” Solomon said.
“Pregnancy and childbirth are usually not secrets; someone will have the truth, and I encourage that person to speak out.”
She noted that she has lived in Bluff for over 50 years and has never heard of a murdered baby at the beach. The area faces a wide range of issues, including theft of infrastructure and motor vehicles, public indecency, and incidents of drunken and disorderly behaviour. Given the vast size of the area and the high number of visitors, numerous bylaw infringements are also common.
Childline KZN, represented by director Adeshini Naicker, has expressed sorrow and outrage over the incident.
“The death of a baby under such violent and tragic circumstances is a profound violation of a child’s most basic rights, the right to life, safety, and protection,” Naicker said.
“This incident highlights the harsh reality that some caregivers, particularly mothers in crisis, may feel completely overwhelmed, isolated, and unsupported. While nothing can ever justify harm to a child, cases like this underscore the urgent need for accessible support systems, early intervention, and public awareness around alternatives to abandonment and violence.”
Isiaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary director and Open Arms SA founder Youandi Gilain said the incident is “heartbreaking”.
“No baby should ever be hurt or left in danger, and hearing that an infant has passed away like this just breaks my heart. It’s tragic, and it’s a harsh reminder of how vulnerable our little ones are and how desperately some mothers are struggling,” Gilain said.
She said her heart goes out to the baby and everyone who had to witness this.
Gilain said mothers and guardians who feel they cannot care for their baby always have options. Help is available, even if it does not feel like it in the moment.
“They can reach out to organisations like Open Arms SA, hospitals, or social services. There are safe ways to ensure a baby is cared for, whether that’s temporary care or adoption. As a last resort, Baby Savers provides a safe, anonymous way to leave a baby if no other option is possible,” Gilain said.
“There is also support for the mother herself, counselling, guidance and practical help, so she doesn’t feel she has to make such a heartbreaking decision alone.”
Contact Open Arms SA:
- WhatsApp: 082 536 9878
- Email: info@openarmssa.org
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za