Three children made a tragic discovery in Suva when they found the body of a newborn baby girl abandoned in a creek. This incident occurred around 8:30 AM on May 7, 1997, behind the Wailada Industrial Subdivision in Lami, as reported by The Fiji Times.

The children involved—10-year-old Niko Verekauta, 12-year-old Peni Verekauta, and 8-year-old Kini Murimurivalu—initially mistook the infant for a doll. Upon closer examination, they realized the baby was alive but unresponsive and shivering. They rushed to inform adults living nearby, but sadly, by the time they returned to the scene shortly after, the baby had succumbed to her condition.

The newborn was discovered wrapped in a pair of red trousers and a white shirt, with visible signs of blood on her body. The placenta was found discarded nearby, about half a meter away. After being alerted by the children, local villagers contacted security personnel at a nearby terminal, who in turn notified the police.

Authorities confirmed that the baby appeared to be full-term and likely abandoned shortly after birth. Efforts are underway to locate the mother, who may require medical assistance following the delivery. While police have not ruled out the possibility of pressing charges against her, their main priority remains identifying and assisting her.

This heartbreaking incident raises significant concerns regarding child welfare and underscores the essential need for comprehensive support systems to protect vulnerable individuals in the community. It also highlights the critical importance of community vigilance to ensure the safety of at-risk children.

Despite the tragic nature of this event, there is hope that the community’s swift response and ongoing police investigations will foster an increased commitment to child welfare. The alarm raised by this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for unity and proactive measures to create a safer environment for everyone. Such collaboration can strengthen community ties and potentially prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, ensuring that all children are cared for and protected.