Residents of Katlehong were left in shock on Tuesday morning after a heartbreaking discovery — a stillborn baby found abandoned in an open space in the Nhlapho section. The grim find was made by a municipal cleaner who stumbled upon the infant while carrying out his daily duties.
According to eyewitness reports, the cleaner was busy clearing waste in the area when he noticed something unusual inside a plastic bag. Upon closer inspection, he saw what appeared to be an umbilical cord sticking out of the bag. Disturbed by the sight, he immediately stopped working and alerted his supervisor, who then contacted the police.
Emergency personnel and law enforcement officials arrived swiftly at the scene, where they confirmed that the bag indeed contained the body of a stillborn baby. The area was cordoned off as investigators collected evidence and began piecing together the events that led to the tragic abandonment.
This discovery has reignited concerns about the increasing number of infant abandonment cases in Ekurhuleni. Just recently, stillborn twin infants were found dumped in the Dukathole informal settlement in Germiston — a mere few kilometres away from Katlehong. Authorities are investigating whether the two incidents may be connected or if they form part of a worrying pattern of similar cases across the municipality
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Ward 51 councillor, Lumka Poki, expressed deep sadness over the latest incident, describing it as both tragic and alarming. She urged residents to show compassion and make use of available health and social services rather than resorting to desperate and dangerous actions.
“This is a painful situation for our community. We understand that some mothers may be scared or feel alone, but abandoning a baby — even one that is stillborn — is not the answer,” said Poki. “There are hospitals, clinics, and social workers who can offer guidance and support during difficult times.”
The councillor also took the opportunity to remind residents about the broader issue of illegal dumping, which continues to plague the area. “People are using open spaces as dumping grounds, and this poses serious health and safety risks,” Poki added. “We urge the community to help us keep Katlehong clean and safe by reporting illegal dumping and supporting municipal cleaning efforts.”
Local police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death and abandonment. Forensic experts are expected to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine how long the baby had been at the site and whether foul play was involved.
Community members who gathered near the scene expressed sorrow and disbelief. Some called for more awareness programs about maternal health and safe pregnancy practices, while others emphasized the need for psychological support for young mothers facing unwanted or traumatic pregnancies.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward. In the meantime, the Katlehong community continues to grapple with the emotional aftermath of yet another tragic reminder of social and economic struggles facing vulnerable families.
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