PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Police are investigating a case of concealment of birth after a newborn baby was found abandoned in a bushy area in Kwanokuthula on Sunday 21 February.

Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) Operations Head Otto Olivier said their Kwanokuthula Crime Prevention (KCP) arm was informed by a concerned resident of "crying" coming from a bushy area in Mvimbi Street at about 19:00.

Along with KCP members, Bitou Law Enforcement officers responded to the scene.

"No baby was found at the spot, only a piece of bloody plastic. A trail of bloody footprints was found leading deeper into the bushes. The scene was secured while responders searched deeper into the bushes where they found a newborn baby crying," Olivier said.

An ambulance was immediately requested and while they waited, the baby was kept warm in an emergency blanket.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies confirmed the incident and said that the mother was later traced with the help of locals. Both mother and baby were transported to a local hospital.

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