A 19-year-old girl from Rasesa ward in Tumasera has been arrested for attempted murder after allegedly abandoning her newborn baby in their pit latrine on Sunday night.
The teenager's uncle heard the infant's cries emanating from the pit when he attempted to use the toilet and promptly notified authorities. Confirming the ongoing investigation, Martins Drift Police Station commander, Superintendent Moses Morolong, stated that they received the report around 9pm, promptly responded, and successfully extracted the baby from the latrine.
"Upon arrival, the suspect's uncle informed the police that his niece had been pregnant, and it was startling to hear a baby crying inside the toilet when she was no longer visibly pregnant. "The baby was recovered unharmed. We have subsequently filed charges of attempted murder against her and she is presently in police custody," Morolong explained.
Additionally, Morolong disclosed that such incidents are troubling in their jurisdiction, citing a similar occurrence two weeks prior when another baby was discovered in a pit latrine, albeit deceased.
"To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the previous incident, and investigations are ongoing. I urge the public to plan their families thoughtfully and consider family planning if they are not yet prepared for parenthood," he urged.
