The Western Cape has seen a steady increase in baby abandonment over the last three years, according to the provinces MEC for Social Development, Albert Fritz. The increase compromises five cases in 2014, as well as a further three cases so far this year.

The most recent incident is that of a baby girl between two and four months who was found abandoned last Tuesday at a field in Mitchell’s Avenue in Woodlands. The infant was found wrapped in blankets with a bag of baby clothes and a milk bottle was placed next to her. A case of child abandonment has been opened.

According to Fritz, these cases are increasing despite facilities and services being made available to those mothers not up to the challenges of parenthood.

Much of these cases have been attributed to a mixture of teenage pregnancies, and a tough economic climate.

But Fritz pointed out that Cape Town had seen a reasonable drop in teenage pregnancies.

“We are saying to young people don’t be mothers before your time, and don’t be irresponsible when you do anything. If you can, abstain from it,” he urged, further suggesting that government needed to up their awareness in this regard.

But he was also keen to state that the awareness against teenage pregnancies need be advocated within families as well, with parents taking a strong role in educating their children about the risks.

Fritz said there were extremely serious consequences when it came to child abandonment, or pregnancy concealment and subsequent dumping. Those caught and found guilty would be eligible to face charges of murder or attempted murder.

“It is a very important consequence for your actions, and I don’t think young people realise this. I know sometimes in desperation they do things that are very irrational, but there are very serious consequences,” he warned.

Apart from abandonment, another area of concern has been child neglect and abuse. The department on Friday launched its own child protection week campaign, and Fritz said the most important thing to have come out of the campaign was the need for adults to take responsibility for the safety of their children.

“Why are our children disappearing? I can bet you, and people can say what they want to, but there was probably an irresponsible parent involved,” he suggested.

For assistance on child abandonment issues, you may contact the department at 0860 142 142. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)