A shocking discovery was made early on the morning of Tuesday, 28 September, when farm workers near the Gateway Truck Stop in Musina found an abandoned newborn baby girl hidden in the bush. The infant was found covered with grass and cardboard boxes, left exposed to the elements.
According to Freek Clifford, chairperson of the Musina Community Forum, the farm workers had initially noticed a suspicious woman wandering through the nearby bushes around 08:00 that morning. Concerned by her strange behavior, they approached her to see what was going on. However, upon seeing the workers, the woman quickly fled, heading north toward the Zimbabwean border.
Curious and concerned about what the woman might have been doing in the area, the workers decided to search the bushes. To their horror, they soon heard the faint cries of a baby coming from the undergrowth. As they searched more closely, they found the newborn girl concealed under grass and pieces of cardboard, abandoned and vulnerable.
The workers immediately contacted the police, who quickly arrived at the scene and informed Clifford about the situation. “The moment I received the call, I contacted Musina ambulance services right away. Within five minutes, the ambulance, the police, and I were all on our way to the location where the baby was found,” said Clifford.
Upon arrival, paramedics assessed the condition of the baby. Fortunately, despite the traumatic circumstances, the newborn appeared to be in good health. The paramedics provided immediate care and safely transported the infant to Musina Hospital for further medical attention and observation.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the staff at Musina Hospital for their swift and professional response,” Clifford added. He praised the medical team for ensuring the baby’s safety and well-being.
The incident has sparked concern and outrage among local residents, with many wondering what could have driven someone to abandon a helpless baby in such a manner. The identity of the woman seen fleeing the scene remains unknown, and police are continuing their investigation to locate her and uncover the reasons behind this heartbreaking act.
Cases like this highlight the urgent need for stronger community support systems and awareness about the safe surrender of unwanted infants. It also raises questions about the challenges faced by women, particularly in marginalized communities, that may push them to such desperate measures.
The newborn baby girl is currently under the care of Musina Hospital, where she is receiving proper care and monitoring. Authorities will work with social services to ensure she is placed in a safe environment once she is discharged from the hospital.
This incident, reported by Bernard Chiguvare, a dedicated journalist known for his work on social justice and community issues, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of collective community responsibility in protecting them.