A newborn baby girl, left abandoned in a plastic bag with her umbilical cord forcibly removed, was discovered by grass cutters in Amanzimtoti on Wednesday.
The distressing scene was shared by Operation Bobbi Bear on Facebook, recounting how the infant, estimated to be just four hours old, was found ice cold and unresponsive.
Grass cutters handed her over to a local hardware store before members of Operation Bobbi Bear and emergency services, including Fast Care Ambulance and Toti Community Assist, rushed to her aid.
Thanks to quick intervention, the baby was wrapped in a space blanket to warm her, eventually letting out a small cry, indicating a fight for survival.
She was taken to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, where she is receiving medical care.
Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KwaZulu-Natal, described the incident as “heartbreaking and disappointing,” emphasizing the need for better awareness and support for pregnant mothers in crisis.
“This tragedy highlights gaps in support systems and the ongoing challenges some individuals face.
Greater outreach and accessible resources are crucial to prevent such incidents and protect vulnerable children,” Naicker said.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga strongly condemned the act, urging the police to identify those responsible.
She praised the swift response from social workers, police, and the Amanzimtoti community in saving the child’s life.
“With all the available resources, including adoption options, incidents like this are deeply disappointing.
While we are relieved the child is safe, this serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening awareness campaigns and support for parents in distress,” Shinga said.
Shinga revealed plans to trace the baby’s mother and explore sustainable care options such as foster care or adoption.
She encouraged communities to approach social workers for help when unable to care for their children.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that a case of child abandonment is under investigation.
The incident has drawn attention to the critical need for improved support systems to prevent such heart-wrenching occurrences.