The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is investigating the horrific death of a baby boy found buried in a Vrygrond field on Monday 20 December.
According to reports, the child was allegedly in foster care at the time of his murder.
DSD spokesperson Esther Lewis said an internal investigation is under way.
“The Department of Social Development is deeply concerned about the death of this baby and views this death in a very serious light. We are conducting an internal investigation to establish the facts. Child Protection is one of the Department of Social Development’s most important mandates guided by the Children’s Act to ensure all children’s rights are protected. The Department is also cooperating with the police investigation, and will be providing the necessary support to the family during this difficult time.”
According to police spokesperson W/O Joseph Swartbooi, the baby was found wrapped in a plastic bag. “Muizenberg police attended to a crime scene on Monday at about 10:00 near to a field in Vrygrond Avenue. Upon digging in the identified vicinity, a plastic bag was recovered in a shallow grave containing the body of an unknown baby boy. The victim, a nine-month-old boy, was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel.”
He added that a 40-year-old woman was arrested and detained. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111.
