A Kutloanong woman (24) who was arrested after a newborn baby was discovered concealed in a deep freezer, didn’t appear in court as expected on Monday (16/9).

Free State police say she was released after the case was not placed on the court roll, pending further investigation.

A thorough investigation, including DNA tests, is underway, said Free State police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng. “The case is still under investigation, and once sufficient evidence has been gathered, it’ll be placed back on the court roll.”

OFM News previously reported the woman was scheduled to appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on Monday (16/9). She was arrested over the weekend after a Kutloanong homeowner found a newborn baby in a deep freezer in a shack on his property on Wednesday (11/9) morning.

“Officers found the baby’s body wrapped in a tracksuit top inside a plastic carry bag. The body was already frozen,” Thakeng said. The mother was not at the property at the time of the discovery. She turned herself in the following day. A case of concealment of birth was opened.

‘We remind communities there are alternatives available’

Free State Social Development MEC Mathabo Leeto expressed shock and dismay at the incident, urging those in distress to seek help from social workers rather than resorting to drastic actions. “We discourage such acts and remind communities that alternatives are available, including adoption, for those who find themselves in difficult situations.”

Leeto emphasised the importance of giving every child a chance to live. She called on residents of the Odendaalsrus township to assist the police as they continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg