The police in Sebokeng are investigating a case of concealment of birth. The police, the K9 unit, and the rescue team discovered it on Sunday (14/7) when they were searching for the body of a missing person outside Boitumelo, Sebokeng.

Lucky Mantsoe (38) went missing on Monday, 20 May. He was last seen with his friend but he never made it home.  The following day his colleagues told his family Mantsoe last reported to work the previous week.

Lucky Mantsoe went missing in May. Picture supplied

“A search operation was conducted on the outskirts of Boitumelo following a tip-off about Mantsoe’s possible whereabouts. While combing the stream, the search team made a shocking discovery when they found a foetus encased in its placenta,” said Sebokeng police spokesperson Nthabiseng Mokhachane.

“Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived at the scene and confirmed the discovery was a human foetus. The foetus was taken to the Sebokeng Government Mortuary for further investigation.

“The gender of the foetus was not disclosed. We are appealing to the public for information regarding women who were recently pregnant in the surrounding areas but are no longer pregnant to contact the police.” 

‘Concealment of birth poses significant risks’

Section 113 of the General Law Amendment Act 46 of 1935 states:

• Any person who, without a lawful burial order, disposes of the body of any newly born child intending to conceal the fact of its birth, whether the child died before, during or after birth, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years.
• In addition, in the trial of a person charged with the concealment of the birth of a child, it is not necessary to prove whether the child died before, at, or after its birth.

SABC News reports incidents of concealment of birth and child abandonment continue to plague communities across the country. Concealment of birth poses significant risks to both mother and child, especially if the pregnancy is hidden.

‘Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sebokeng police’

Vaalweekblad reports the police are continuing to search for Mantsoe and accept any lead in finding him, people are urged to contact the Sebokeng police at 082 498 9563 or Stop Crime at 08600 10111, or 10111.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg