MEDIA STATEMENT 

07 April 2022 

 

 

Bisho - The parents of a deceased three-month-old baby girl abandoned at Grey Hospital in Qonce last month have been found. 

 

Responding to the call made by the department in the media and social media platforms earlier this week, members of the public responded swiftly providing useful information that led to tracing and tracking down of both parents of the deceased. 

 

The information as shared by the public,  described the two being in a relationship and that they stay together. 

 

This was in conflict with the statement provided by the mother to health officials when she took the baby to the hospital where she presented herself as a single parent and that she did not know the whereabouts of the infant's father. 

 

Working together with the South Africa  Police Services, the department followed the leads and found the father. He led the authorities to where the mother was at the time and were both taken to hospital. 

 

The couple indicated that they cannot afford to bury the child as they survive on a R350 social grant. They were advised to apply for pauper's burial and directed to relevant government departments. 

 

The department sends heartfelt appreciation to the South African Police Services and the public for working together with the Department in finding the parents of the deceased baby girl. 

 

Issued by Eastern Cape Department of Health. 

 

For enquiries, contact: 

 

Mr Mkhululi Ndamase, MEC’s Media Liaison Officer on 071 851 8338 

 

Ms Yonela Dekeda, Acting Manager Communications, 083 378 0968