Baby saved from long drop death

THE discarding of a newborn baby in a pit latrine has shocked a rural community in Ntambanana, but it did prove once again that dedicated firemen will do anything to save a life. The incident took place at the Bhonkolo Area in Ward 4 on Thursday.

According to Rural Metro, the father of the child had wanted to use the toilet but was being prevented from doing so by the mother. When he got past her, he heard the baby crying inside the long drop and alerted the police.

They in turn contacted the Mthonjaneni Fire Brigade, who on arrival at the scene noticed that the baby was lying in the contents of the toilet and there were some signs that she might still be alive.

Firefighters carefully dug a hole from the back of the toilet for uThungulu Fire Chief, Thokozani Dlamini to crawl through. ‘I had to lower myself into the contents in order to reach the baby,’ he said.

‘I noticed that it was a girl and that she was definitely still breathing. ‘I handed the baby through the hole to EMRS ambulance personnel and a firefighter then pulled me out.’ Dlamini was thrilled to hear later that the little girl was in a stable condition.

Head of Richards Bay Family Care, Ronel Ferreira was saddened that a pregnancy, however unwanted, should have such a consequence – especially since there was such a demand for adoptions. ‘We understand that fear and depression can lead to tragic decisions that may even result in murder or attempted murder charges.

‘Pregnant women not willing or able to keep the child should make contact with a social worker, who will assist in breaking the news to other parties. ‘This includes making contact with the father, in case he has rights according to the new Children’s Act.

‘Early intervention will assist in securing a match with parents on the waiting list; the process of adoption can begin during pregnancy.’