Mom of seven arrested after stillborn baby found buried in yard in Limpopo
Police in Limpopo have confirmed that a 43-year-old woman from Lesodi Motlana Village, in the outskirts of Mokopane, has been arrested and charged with concealment of birth.
The woman, who cannot be named, is set to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the suspect was arrested on Sunday, September 7, in the area, located within the Tinmyne policing area in the Waterberg District.
According to police, the suspect – a mother of seven children, including a one-year-and-five-month-old baby – had been visibly pregnant.
Ledwaba said community members noticed that her pregnancy was no longer apparent and alerted authorities.
“When questioned, the alleged suspect revealed that she had been pregnant for about five months before giving birth to a stillborn on August 22, 2025. She then wrapped the foetus in a towel and buried it behind the house,” said Ledwaba.
The foetus was later discovered in a shallow grave behind the suspect’s home.
“Police investigations are ongoing,” Ledwaba added.
When IOL News arrived at the scene on Saturday night, they found a crowd of angry and shocked community members gathered outside the home.
Police officers, accompanied by forensic pathologists, were directed to the burial site behind the house.
The forensic team dug into the shallow grave, which had been covered with stones, and uncovered the foetus wrapped in a towel.
Community members expressed outrage and disbelief.
“We knew she was pregnant, and she gave birth at home. She’s used to giving birth at home,” said a resident who asked not to be named.
Several residents said the news began to circulate after the woman’s children mentioned to others that their mother had given birth.
“We heard she gave birth because her children have been saying it. Even our children told us that they heard her kids talking at school,” said another resident.
“We believe the children – they wouldn’t lie. They said they saw the baby. She must be arrested. We can’t live with someone like this.”
The family declined to speak to the media.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News