Parkwood Community Shaken After Newborn Found Abandoned In Field

Residents of Parkwood, Cape Town, were left horrified on Monday morning after the body of a newborn baby was found abandoned in a field.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that Grassy Park police responded to a call at around 7:20am regarding the discovery between Walmer Road and the M5.

“Upon arrival, members discovered the body of a male infant with the umbilical cord still attached. The baby was declared deceased on the scene by paramedics,” said van Wyk.
An inquest docket has been registered at Grassy Park SAPS for investigation.

Shock and Grief in Parkwood Community

Residents said the infant appeared to have been pre-term, around five or six months. One passerby explained:
“We didn’t see who dumped the baby. We just came to look.”

Community Policing Forum (CPF) deputy chairperson George Nelson said the incident likely took place in the early hours of the morning.
“One of the community members came forward and said they saw what happened while they were burning copper. He said he wasn’t involved but witnessed it,” Nelson told Daily Voice.

Nelson added that information has been escalated to the local camera control room and shared on community WhatsApp groups in an attempt to trace suspects.

Department of Social Development Calls for Awareness

Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) spokesperson Monique Mortlock-Malgas urged mothers in crisis to seek help rather than resort to abandonment.

“There are various factors that may lead to a baby being abandoned such as unwanted pregnancy and mental health challenges. The Department has various support services in place to help mothers, such as counselling at local DSD offices,” she said.

These services include counselling, family planning, and information on alternative care options available through public health facilities, local DSD offices, and NPOs in the child protection sector.

The department encouraged struggling mothers to reach out via its toll-free helpline: 0800 220 250.

Police have appealed to the public for assistance in identifying those responsible.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Gregory Kleinhans on 079 894 1307, or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

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