The community of Bloekombos in Kraaifontein is grappling with horror and anguish following the discovery of two deceased infants discarded in the area, incidents that have highlighted a devastating and growing crisis of child abandonment in the Western Cape.
The grim discoveries were made recently, with waste pickers finding one newborn’s body in nearby bushes and another located dumped inside a dustbin. The incidents are part of a deeply troubling pattern for the community; local leaders state this marks the third such case in the area in less than a month.
The most recent discovery occurred on Zono Street on what was a routine garbage collection day. A newborn girl was found amongst the waste, already deceased.
A community leader, visibly emotional, confirmed the alarming trend, stating, “We find a new baby here… And it’s not the first time. It’s the second time… it’s the third time.” The leader pointed to profound socio-economic pressures as a potential factor, noting, “it’s nice to make a baby but it tend to be difficult to maintain a baby.”
In response, community organizers have planned a meeting for the weekend of Saturday the 23rd to address what they call a “scourge.” A speaker at a gathering emphasized shared responsibility, saying, “Men must appreciate that they have the responsibility. Women must equally appreciate that they have responsibility.” He acknowledged the area’s severe challenges with unemployment, poverty, and inequality but urged residents not to become “puppet[s] of these challenges.”
The provincial Department of Social Development has confirmed the alarming scale of the issue, reporting over 70 cases of child abandonment since October last year alone. This figure includes instances where children were left with family members who subsequently absconded.
Department spokesperson, whose comments are included in the transcript, expressed the profound tragedy of the situation. “It’s incredibly sad when people get to a point where they feel they cannot look after the children,” she said. She strongly emphasized that support services are available and reminded the public that “illegal dumping of babies” is a criminal offense in the Western Cape.
The Department urges mothers in crisis to seek help instead of abandoning their children, advising them to approach any social development office, healthcare facility, or even the nearest police station for assistance.
Following the latest incident, South African Police Service (SAPS) officials have registered a case of concealment of birth and have opened an investigation.
As the community of Bloekombos prepares for a difficult conversation, the twin tragedies have cast a stark light on the desperate choices made by some amidst a backdrop of poverty and a critical lack of support.
