Mom Faces Murder Charge After Newborn Found Dead In Drain

A 31-year-old woman has been charged with murder after the body of her newborn baby was discovered in a drain in Lotus River.

Ireesha Francis appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, where the State confirmed that the charge had been upgraded from child neglect following the discovery.

Lotus River Baby Found Dead In Drain Sparks Murder Charge

The infant girl was found on Sunday at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Antelope Street, wrapped in blankets and plastic.

According to the State, Francis had given birth to a healthy baby at the Retreat Midwife Obstetric Unit on May 1.

Both mother and child were reportedly in good condition when they were discharged the following day.

Concerns were raised when Francis returned home without the baby. Family members questioned her, but she allegedly provided conflicting explanations about the child’s whereabouts.

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At one point, she reportedly claimed she had left the infant on a pavement, prompting alarm among relatives and the community.

Residents, alongside family members, CPF and neighbourhood watch groups, launched a search for the missing newborn, but were unable to locate her.

Case Postponed As Mother Appears In Wynberg Magistrate’s Court

On May 3, Francis informed police of the location where she said she had left the baby inside a plastic bag, claiming the child had been alive at the time.

Police followed up and discovered the infant’s body in a drain.

Francis, who appeared emotional in court, is being represented by Legal Aid. The court also heard that she is due for a medical check-up following the birth.

The matter has been postponed to May 14 for a formal bail application. As proceedings ended, she was led to the holding cells, breaking down in tears as she turned towards the public gallery.