Mother Arrested After Abandoned Newborn Found Under Tree Near Theunissen

The Brandfort Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit has arrested the mother of a two-day-old baby boy who was abandoned near a hiking spot along the R30 in Theunissen.

The arrest follows the discovery of the newborn on Friday, 12 December 2025, at around 15:00, when two men walking in the area were alerted to the baby’s presence under a tree by an unknown passer-by.

Good Samaritans Acted as Heavy Rain Approached

The men immediately went to investigate and found a male infant believed to be only a few days old. With heavy rain threatening, the good Samaritans took the baby to their home and promptly contacted Theunissen police and Emergency Medical Services.

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Medical personnel responded and transported the newborn to a local hospital, where he was admitted for medical observation and care.

25-Year-Old Mother Faces Attempted Murder Charge

Following further investigation, police traced and arrested the child’s 25-year-old mother in Brandfort. She has been charged with attempted murder and is expected to appear in the Theunissen Magistrate’s Court soon.

Authorities have reiterated their call for communities to report cases of child abuse and neglect, urging the public to act swiftly to protect vulnerable children.

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