Article by: Dumisane Dube
A 30-year-old Limpopo mother has been arrested for the alleged murder of her newborn baby girl.
In a statement police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the woman and her mother visited Kunjani Clinic in Malamulele on Monday to enquire about her growing stomach.
“While waiting for consultation, she allegedly indicated to her mother she wanted to go to the bathroom at the adjacent Masingita Mall. The suspect then reportedly gave birth to a baby girl on her own and started brutally assaulting her,” stated Mojapelo.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Health it is alleged the woman had her infant daughter by her legs and banged her head against the wall. She allegedly also tore the jaws of the newborn open with her bare hands.
Mojapelo said the baby’s cries alerted the staff who immediately rushed to the bathroom and discovered the shocking incident. The staff then called the emergency services personnel.
“The woman and her baby were taken to the local hospital but they were later transferred to Mankweng hospital where she [baby] lost her life. She [Mother] was later discharged from the hospital and was immediately arrested on a charge of attempted murder,” added Mojapelo.
Limpopo Health Spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, says mental evaluations are being conducted on her.
“The Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba has expressed sadness and also outrage at this incident and she has called on community members to remember that there are other legal options that they can follow instead of killing or throwing away their children,” adds Shikwambana.
The woman is currently under police guard and is expected to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate court for a murder charge.
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