Farm workers make shocking discovery after spotting suspicious woman fleeing toward the Zimbabwean border — infant now receiving care at Musina Hospital
MUSINA, LIMPOPO — A newborn baby girl was discovered abandoned in dense bushveld near the Gateway Truck Stop in Musina in the early hours of Tuesday, 28 September, after farm workers stumbled upon the infant concealed beneath grass and cardboard boxes. The baby, exposed to the elements and left alone in the undergrowth, was fortunately found alive and in relatively good health.
The discovery was made after workers in the area noticed a woman behaving suspiciously in the surrounding bushes at approximately 08:00. Upon noticing the workers approaching, the woman fled northward in the direction of the Zimbabwean border and has not been located since. Concerned by her behavior, the workers searched the area and were alerted to the infant’s presence by the faint sound of crying emerging from the undergrowth.
How They Found The Baby Girl abandoned In Musina
Freek Clifford, chairperson of the Musina Community Forum, was among the first community leaders notified. “The moment I received the call, I contacted Musina ambulance services right away. Within five minutes, the ambulance, the police, and I were all on our way to the location where the baby was found,” Clifford said.
Paramedics who arrived on the scene assessed the newborn and, despite the traumatic circumstances of her abandonment, found her to be in stable condition. She was transported to Musina Hospital, where she is currently receiving medical care and observation. Social services are expected to work alongside hospital authorities to arrange a safe placement for the infant following her discharge.
Clifford extended his gratitude to the medical staff involved in the response. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the staff at Musina Hospital for their swift and professional response,” he said, praising the team for their handling of the situation.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers are continuing their investigation into the incident. The identity of the woman seen fleeing the scene remains unknown, and authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
The case has prompted renewed calls among residents and community organizations for greater awareness around safe infant surrender options available to mothers in crisis — legal channels that allow parents to relinquish newborns safely and without prosecution. Child welfare advocates note that cases of infant abandonment frequently reflect deeper systemic challenges, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and limited social support for vulnerable women in marginalized communities.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Musina Police Station or the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact Childline South Africa at 116 (toll-free).
