Are mothers capable of taking their Babies' lives?

On the 24 November, 2008 it was reported that members of the Botswana Police Service in Kazungula were searching for the mother of a newly born baby, who was rescued from a pit latrine recently.

The baby was found by the owner of the toilet wrapped and tied in a plastic bag in Kazungula.

It was retrieved from the latrine by the police and members of the community and only suffered minor injuries.

Assistant Superintendent Chakalisa Nkoni of Kazungula Police Station said the girl was rushed to Kasane Primary Hospital where she was treated for shock.

Mr Nkoni said the baby was doing well at the hospital adding that Kazungula police officers bought new clothes for her.

The search for the mother of the baby is still on. "This is the first incident of its kind this year and we appeal to the community to help us locate the baby's mother," Mr Nkoni said.

He applauded the residents of Kazungula for coming in large numbers to help them rescue the baby, saying such cooperation between the police and the community was crucial in fighting crime.

"It took us almost three hours to retrieve the baby from the latrine," he said.

The owner of the toilet, Mr Bernard Moyo said he heard a sound when he visited the latrine but he could tell where it came from. "I thought dogs were killing a goat behind the toilet".

He said when the sound increased he went out of the toilet to establish where it was coming from but found nothing.

According to Bopa report, "It was as if someone was being suffocated," he said, adding that his wife finally realised that it was the baby and they reported the matter to the police.

What can be done to stop mothers from killing their newly born babies?

We will address this when we come back...