KwaZulu-Natal police are investigating a case of child abandonment after a baby boy was found wrapped in a white cloth and abandoned on a pile of dirt in Northdale, Pietermaritzburg, on Sunday night. 

KZN police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said Mountain Rise police are investigating the incident that occurred in Champa Place, Northdale, on Sunday. 

“Reports indicate that a baby boy was found by a passer-by in the bush, and he was wrapped in a white cloth. The child was taken to the hospital for medical assessment,” Magwaza said. 

The Mi7 National Group’s control room received a report concerning a potentially abandoned baby after 9pm on Sunday. 

While walking through an area, a member of the public heard crying and found a baby wrapped in cloth on a dirt pile. The person sought help from a nearby residence, whose occupants then contacted Mi7. Mi7 armed response officers immediately went to the location and met with the person who reported the incident.

“Upon locating the baby, who was found alive, Mi7 EMS was dispatched to the scene for urgent medical assessment,” Mi7 said. 

“Mi7 paramedics arrived within minutes and confirmed the infant was in a stable condition. On-site medical evaluations were conducted to ensure the child’s immediate well-being, after which the baby was transported to a local hospital for further care.” 

Isiaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary director and Open Arms SA founder, Youandi Gilain, said they are relieved the baby was found alive and is receiving medical care. 

“We are deeply relieved that the baby abandoned in Champa Place in Northdale was found alive and is now receiving medical care. This could have ended in tragedy, like so many other cases across our country. However, this time, a life was saved. And for that, I am grateful,” Gilain said. 

She said at Open Arms SA, she works with mothers in crisis daily, especially those facing unplanned or traumatic pregnancies. Many of them feel alone, afraid, and unsure of where to turn. Some are young girls.

Some are victims of rape or abuse. Some simply lack the support they need. Their desperation is real, as real as the judgement a lot of mommies face at the hands of those who should support us at clinics, hospitals, and child protection organisations. 

“But baby abandonment is never the answer,” Gilain said. 

“This heartbreaking reality calls all of us to act, with more urgency, more compassion, and more accessible support systems, where there is no judgement but support offered.”

Gilain helps women explore safe alternatives to abandonment. She walks with them through the fear, confusion, and pain, connecting them to clinics, adoption agencies, or simply someone who cares.

Open Arms SA is an online helpdesk in Durban. 

Pregnant individuals who do not know what to do are urged to reach out. Open Arms SA can be reached via Facebook or WhatsApp 084 488 1359 for confidential support.

Ethembeni Tribe of Hope managing director Gail Louw said there is a lack of support for women in the society, and many find themselves in a desperate situation when they are abandoned by the baby’s father, and sometimes parents reject their daughters who come home pregnant. 

“Ethembeni Tribe of Hope operates a pregnancy centre in Mpophomeni, KZN Midlands, providing antenatal classes to prepare women for motherhood and offering counselling,” Louw said.

“Ngizohambe Nawe is our motto, and the women we work with become responsive mothers who cope better with the situations they are in.”

Louw added: “Unfortunately, there are not enough NGOs working in areas focusing on maternal health when a woman feels so vulnerable.”

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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