Abandoned newborn found under tree near Theunissen hiking spot

Police in the Free State are investigating a case of child abandonment after a newborn baby boy was found abandoned near a hiking spot outside Theunissen.

Theunissen SAPS has opened a case of child abandonment and is appealing to the public for help in tracing the baby’s mother or relatives. The infant was discovered on Friday afternoon, near the R30, after a passer-by alerted two men who were walking in the area about a baby lying under a tree.

Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the men immediately went to investigate. “A male person and his cousin were walking when an unknown African male informed them about a baby underneath a tree in the vicinity,” Kareli said.

He said the baby, believed to be a few days old, was found wearing a beige baby grow and a grey baby hat, and was wrapped in a grey fleece blanket with white dots.

With rain threatening, the good Samaritans took the infant to their home and contacted police and emergency medical services.

“As rain was imminent, the travellers took the infant home and immediately contacted Theunissen police and Emergency Medical Services,” Kareli said.

The baby was taken to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical care and observation.

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Detective Captain Jerry Motaung of the Brandfort Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit on 071 682 5093, Crime Line on 08600 10111, or to submit an anonymous tip via the MySAPS app.

Police also praised those who helped save the child. “The police commend the travellers and the unknown informant for their swift and compassionate action, which resulted in the baby's safe recovery,” Kareli said.