Pig farmer finds human foetus in feeding trough

GEORGE NEWS - A grim discovery shocked residents of Thembalethu on Sunday morning, 20 April, when a pig owner came upon a human foetus as he was tending to his animals.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, the find was made at about 11:30 in New Valley, Zone 9, when the resident discovered the foetus inside a feeding trough in the pig enclosure.

Authorities were immediately alerted, and members of the Thembalethu Police responded to the scene. An inquest docket has been opened. The foetus’ origin remains unknown at this stage.

A photo in George Herald's possession shows a developed foetus of about seven or eight months, not yet a fully developed baby, lying face down in a feeding trough with sloppy pig food in it.

“The circumstances surrounding the discovery are currently under investigation,” said Spies. “We are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward.”

According to a resident of the area, it is believed that someone must’ve given birth at home when things went wrong. “[I think] the person decided to dump the newborn in the pig bucket to be eaten by pigs,” the resident said.

The case is being handled by the Thembalethu Detectives. Anyone with information is urged to contact Warrant Officer Lucy van Rensburg on 044 802 8906 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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