Durban - A woman who allegedly wrapped her newborn baby in a newspaper, placed it in a plastic packet and threw it on top of a rubbish heap, was granted R1 000 bail in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Pathmavathi ‘Pat’ Marimuthu, 44, of Lotus Park in Isipingo appeared briefly on a concealment of birth charge.
The State did not oppose bail and Marimuthu is expected back in court on June 10.
Police spokesperson, Major Thulani Zwane, said the police had received a call that a body had been found near a church at the intersection of Nerium Road and Lotus Drive on Saturday, April 16 at 8.30am.
He said when police arrived they found the body of a newborn in a plastic bag.
Krishnee Naidoo, of Alpha Alarms, a private security company in Isipingo that was also at the scene, said the baby was wrapped in newspaper and sealed in a packet, but dogs scavenging through rubbish bags had ripped open the packet.
“When the body was found, we believe the dogs tore off the arms and bit off chunks of flesh. Isipingo detectives questioned residents and received a tip-off on who the suspect might be,” said Naidoo.
Police did not divulge when or where Marimuthu was arrested. Police are awaiting post-mortem results and are not certain when the baby was thrown on to the rubbish heap.
Isipingo ward councillor, Sunil Kalicharan, said he was shocked when he heard of the incident.
He advised those suffering from depression or psychological problems to consult the local police advice desk, a social worker or nearest religious institution for assistance.
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Daily News