Live newborn child dumped in bin |18 August 2022
The police investigating the incident in which a live newborn baby boy was found in a bin in the vicinity of the Roche Caiman community centre yesterday afternoon.
• Social Affairs department deplores action
The police have opened an investigation into an incident where a live newborn baby boy was found in a bin in the vicinity of the Roche Caiman community centre yesterday afternoon.
In a communique late yesterday, the police stated that its initial investigation indicated that the baby was discovered after his cries alerted a passerby.
“It was a young girl who heard the cry and informed other individuals in the community and from there the health authority and the police were informed,” wrote the communique.
The baby boy, who was wrapped in a towel, was removed from the bin by a police officer living in the area, and was handed over to the medical team, who had rushed to the scene.
The police added that the health department had confirmed the baby was born one hour before he was discovered and his health condition was stable. He is presently admitted in the maternity ward where he is receiving medical care.
Meanwhile, the Social Affairs department has condemned the incident in the strongest term.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, the principal secretary for Social Affairs, Linda William-Melanie, described it as “an atrocity”.
She reminded all women that find themselves in such predicament that there are services available and not to resort to barbaric and inhumane behaviour.
“We have offices and institutions where they can seek help if they do not want to keep the baby. Once the investigation is completed, and the woman is identified, she will still be able to ask for assistance but people need to understand that this is not how we treat a child and we should always protect children,” said PS William-Melanie.
She added that once the baby completes his medical treatment, he will be released into the care of the Social Affairs department. In the event that no family members or individual come forward to adopt the child, he will be placed into a children’s home.
Meanwhile the police are calling on anyone with information to contact them on 4288033 or the CID unit.
It should be noted that the person responsible for the action is liable to be prosecuted.