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

The children, identified as Niko Verekauta, 10, Kini Murimurivalu, 8, and Peni Verekauta, 12, initially mistook the baby for a doll. However, upon closer inspection, they realized the infant was alive but unresponsive and shivering. They quickly ran to a nearby house to seek help from adults, but tragically, when they returned shortly after, the baby had already passed away.

According to reports, the baby was full-term and found wrapped in a pair of red trousers and a white shirt, with blood still present on her body. The placenta was located nearby, approximately half a meter from where the baby lay. Local villagers promptly alerted security personnel at the nearby Fiji Gas terminal, who then called the police to report the incident.

Authorities confirmed that the mother of the child might need medical assistance after the unplanned birth and are currently conducting investigations to locate her. Although they have not ruled out the possibility of laying charges against the mother, their priority remains identifying her to ensure proper care.

This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns regarding child welfare and underscores the need for community support systems to protect vulnerable individuals. While the situation is distressing, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fostering an environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children.

In summary, while the discovery of this abandoned newborn is a profound tragedy, it also calls for a collective response from the community to enhance awareness and systems that can prevent similar occurrences in the future. The hopes for accountability and support in addressing the welfare of vulnerable children remain strong within the community.