The Gauteng police and the provincial Department of Health have appealed for more information that could lead to the people or institutions responsible for the six foetuses that were discovered in an open veld in Soweto.

This comes as the community of Protea Glen Extension 12 in Soweto reportedly woke up to the gruesome discovery of six charred newborn babies at an illegal dumpsite on Monday,  July 14, 2025.

The incident was confirmed by Gauteng police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Mavela Masondo, who revealed that the police were alerted to the unaccounted-for foetuses on Monday.

“Police have opened a case of concealment of birth, with six counts, after six foetuses were discovered in an open veld in Protea Glen, Soweto, on Monday, 14 July 2025. Police were called by a member of the community after a man who was looking for scraps noticed slightly burned foetuses,” he said.

As the police continue their investigation, the Gauteng Department of Health stated that it was not aware of the incident.

Departmental spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said there are measures for mothers and healthcare professionals to properly dispose of their unborn babies.

“The department is not aware. If the body of the foetus weighs more than 1,000g and the parent wishes to bury it, they may contact their funeral parlour to arrange for collection. If the mother requests that the Department of Health incinerate the body, the body is incinerated following the National Health Act,2003 (Act No 61 of 2003) on management and handling of the body/tissue. If the weight of the foetus is below 1,000g, the disposal of the tissue is handled by the registered contracted medical waste company,” he said.

Modiba urged the community to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible.

“The department has records of all choices on termination of pregnancies performed in the departmental health facilities in Soweto.”

On whether there is a syndicate that operates illegal abortion facilities or whether some healthcare facilities could be responsible, Modiba said at this point, they are not aware of any such syndicates.

“The department is not aware of any illegal abortion centres operating in Soweto. If any facility is operating illegally without being designated by the Member of Executive Council (MEC), the department has the power to close it down. The department has records of all choices on termination of pregnancies performed in the departmental health facilities in Soweto,” he added.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za

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