A 10-month old baby girl was found dead on the field next to Steenberg High School.
Image: PICTURE: SUPPLIED
A 35-year-old woman appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court today, Monday March 10, for the murder of her 10-month-old baby whose body was found on an open field in Verde Road, near Steenberg High School, last Thursday.
Bail was denied and her next court appearance will be on Monday April 7.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said Steenberg police had registered a case of murder after the infant's body was found at about 2pm.
A relative said the mother had struggled with drug addiction and trauma after the father of her first-born child had been set alight and burned to death four years ago.
Captain Van Wyk said the case was transferred to Wynberg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit for further investigation.
Parkwood community leader Pastor Paul Phillips, said a family member had asked him to assist with the baby's funeral. No date had been confirmed as the post-mortem was still to be conducted.
Lieutenant Colonel Delmore Manuel, station commander of Steenberg police, said a post-mortem would determine how the baby died. “We can’t determine how long the report will take after the post mortem," he said.
Ward 68 councillor Marita Petersen said the death of the baby comes as a shock.
"It is heart-wrenching to see and hear of these things.”
Chantel English, a counsellor in Grassy Park, said there are specialised support networks that address mental health, trauma, and social barriers. She listed Mosaic – GBV and women’s support services – for trauma, gender-based violence, and emotional healing. Lifeline South Africa (24/7 Helpline: 0861 322 322) for crisis and suicide prevention support. The South African Depression and anxiety group (SADAG) on 0800 456 789 – for mental health assistance for postpartum depression. Public hospitals (Tygerberg, Groote Schuur, district clinics) – for free psychiatric and maternal mental health care, as well as social workers and community support groups – offering parenting assistance, therapy, and financial aid guidance.